Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays: AL wild-card game 2 preview

Tampa Bay’s bullpen will factor heavily into Game 2. It has been leaned on heavily this year, throwing over 679 innings, the most in all of baseball. Neither of their top two relievers – Jason Adams and Pete Fairbanks – were needed in Game 1, so they are rested and could potentially throw multiple innings each to shorten the game after Glasnow exits. Beyond those two, the Rays’ bullpen has been inconsistent at times this year and even struggled to close out games.

Needing only one inning out of their pen in Game 1 could be a crucial factor in their ability to come back in this series against Cleveland. With Glasnow likely limited to about 75 pitches, and a Guardians team that puts pressure on starting pitchers, the Rays relievers will no doubt be tested in Game 2.