Cleveland’s October weather has forced Major League Baseball’s hand, and the ALCS schedule is getting a shake-up. Game 3 between the Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays will now start at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday at Progressive Field instead of the originally scheduled 6 p.m. ET, the league and the club announced. The move was made with rain expected to roll through Cleveland on Thursday night.
The Guardians confirmed the shift in a statement, noting that gates will open at 11 a.m. ET and that all existing tickets — whether bought through the team or a secondary marketplace — will be honored for the new first pitch. Fans won’t need to exchange anything; the same ticket gets them through the turnstiles.
Why the change matters
An afternoon start changes the feel of a playoff game entirely. The shadows at Progressive Field can be tricky for hitters and fielders, and the energy inside the ballpark tends to be different when the sun is still up. But avoiding a lengthy rain delay — or a potential postponement — is a bigger priority for MLB, especially with the series already tight.
Weather has been a recurring theme across the sports calendar lately, from college football matchups adjusting kickoff times to the NFL weighing schedule flexibility as it looks at ways to handle disruptions. Baseball, of course, has its own history of October weather chaos, and the league clearly wants no part of a washed-out night in Cleveland.
Guardians look to bounce back
Cleveland took Game 1 and had a real chance to head home with a 2-0 series lead, but the Rays clawed back in Game 2. The loss stung, and veteran infielder Jose Ramirez didn’t hide from his role in it. Ramirez committed a costly error in the fourth inning that opened the door for Tampa Bay to score.
“It’s frustrating,” Ramirez said after the game. “I feel bad because I wasn’t able to make that play and after that the runs came in. I feel bad about that.”
It was a rare misstep for a seven-time All-Star who has carried this Cleveland lineup for years. His accountability resonated with a fan base that has watched this team scrap all season. The Guardians will need him locked in — both with the glove and at the plate — if they want to reclaim control of the series.
What’s next
Thursday’s game is now a matinee, and the Guardians are hoping the earlier start gives them an edge. A win would put them back in the driver’s seat in the ALCS. A loss would hand the Rays momentum and turn the series into a dogfight.
For now, the focus is simple: beat the weather, beat the Rays, and take back the series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. ET, and Cleveland will be ready.
