Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays: AL wild-card series game one preview

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 06: Starting pitcher Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians throws in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 06, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

We could not ask for a better matchup to start the playoffs than two young aces at the top of their game. For the Guardians, Shane Bieber went 13-8 with a 2.88 ERA this year, providing consistency and stability at the top of the young Guardians rotation. The Rays will counter with AL All-Star starter Shane McClanahan. While McClanahan has been excellent this year, sporting a 2.54 ERA on the season, health and endurance may be a factor in this game. McClanahan has been dealing with a neck issue and has not thrown more than five innings in a game since August 24.