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Guardians name Parker Messick starter for ALDS Game 1 vs. White Sox, Gavin Williams for Game 2

Parker Messick will be the first Cleveland rookie pitcher to get a start in a postseason game since 2016 when the Guardians left-hander gets the call for Saturday’s first game of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White…

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 8:53 PM
Guardians name Parker Messick starter for ALDS Game 1 vs. White Sox, Gavin Williams for Game 2
Key Things to Know
  • Parker Messick will start ALDS Game 1 for Cleveland, followed by Gavin Williams in Game 2.
  • Messick is the first Cleveland rookie pitcher to start a postseason game since 2016.
  • Messick compiled a 12-9 record with a 2.56 ERA over 32 regular-season starts.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt announced that rookie left-hander Parker Messick will start Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. Right-hander Gavin Williams will take the mound for Game 2 on Monday, as the AL Central champions set up their postseason pitching rotation.

Messick finished the regular season with a 12-9 record and a 2.56 ERA across 32 starts, making him the first Cleveland rookie to start a playoff game since 2016. Williams posted a 14-8 record with 248 strikeouts, benefiting from extra rest ahead of his Game 2 assignment.

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