CLEVELAND, Ohio — Alex Cobb’s 2024 season has had so many stops and starts that it’s hard to look beyond the next pitch, much less tomorrow.
Thursday, however, the Guardians’ veteran right-hander easily cleared what may have been his last hurdle toward a start in the American League Division Series that begins Saturday against Detroit at Progressive Field.
Cobb threw 60-plus pitches in a simulated team against his teammates on the Guardians’ final full day of preparation for the Tigers. They will go through a normal workout Friday when the Tigers arrive at Progressive Field as well.
“I thought Cobb looked great,” said manager Stephen Vogt. “The velo was there. The shapes and movements (of his pitches) were there. He was getting weak and swing-and-miss. I thought he looked great and he feels good, and that’s what’s important.”
Cobb is currently on the injured list because of a blister on the middle finger of his right hand. He told cleveland.com recently that the blister problem is behind him. If that is still the case on Friday when he walks into Progressive Field, he could be in line to start Game 3 on Wednesday at Comerica Park.
Vogt would not give a definite answer on when Cobb will make his next appearance.
“We’re still talking through a lot of roster decisions right now on how we want to line things up,” said Vogt. “We don’t having anything (written) in stone. . .We should have more clarity by tomorrow and Saturday morning.”
The Guardians must submit their 26-man ALDS roster on Saturday morning before the 1:08 pm. start.
Right-hander Tanner Bibee is scheduled to start Saturday in Game 1. During the regular season, he made four starts against Detroit. Former Tiger left-hander Matthew Boyd is scheduled to start Game 2 on Monday. He could face left-hander Tarik Skubal, a prime contender for the AL Cy Young award.
Cleveland has not played since Saturday when it lost Houston, 4-3. They’ve been playing simulated games since their regular season finale on Sunday was rained out to stay game-ready the the ALDS.
Cobb had not made a big league start this season when the Guardians acquired him at the deadline on July 30. He underwent right hip surgery during the offseason and then developed shoulder and blister problems. He’s made three starts and two trips to the IL for the Guardians.
During his second start, Cobb tore the finger nail on the index finger of his right hand against the Cubs on Aug. 14. Five days later he was placed on the 15-day IL.
He returned to face the Pirates on Sept. 1, retiring the first 18 batters he faced before allowing a hit. Another trip to the IL followed because of a blister he developed during that game.
Cobb has not pitched in a game since.
