Starting Gavin Williams in Game 4 is a risky move for the Cleveland Guardians

When it was announced the Cleveland Guardians were having Gavin Williams start Game 4 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees, it was met with mixed reactions, to say the least. Not that the Guardians have endless options available to take the mound for them on Friday night against New York, but it still seemed somewhat puzzling given the current circumstances. This is a decision filled with risk, and it is coming at a time when there is so much on the line. There is no doubting his natural talent or his potential, but why start him now?

2024 has been a troubling season for Williams, dating all the way back to Spring Training. Williams was sidelined before the season began and was out until the beginning of July. Once he returned to the mound, he pitched fine but was not spectacular, compiling a 4.86 ERA and 1.368 WHIP while striking 9.4 batters per nine. Again, nothing really all that special here.

This will be Williams' first major league appearance in nearly a month, last pitching on September 22nd against the St. Louis Cardinals. Williams would allow just one run on four hits in 5.2 innings against St. Louis. The overall performance was solid but not quite at the level expected against a less-than-stellar Cardinals team.

One final thing to consider about Williams and how he has performed this season. Williams has not pitched well at home (0-7, 6.55 ERA) or at night (1-7, 6.00 ERA) in 2024, with both conditions taking place in Game 4. If there is a scenario that Williams should not be pitching in, it would be this particular game against the Yankees.

This will be William's second start against the Yankees this season, with his first being rather forgettable. Williams gave up three runs on four hits, including a home run to none other than Aaron Judge in a 6-0 loss in The Bronx. None of this is really all that surprising. Williams has been very inconsistent this season, and if anyone was going to homer off of him, it would be the likely American League MVP.

Manager Stephen Vogt must keep a close eye on Williams in this outing, and if there are any signs of distress, he must turn to the bullpen immediately. Cleveland managed to come out on top in the unlikeliest of circumstances on Thursday night, and they cannot afford to squander an opportunity to even the series at two games apiece.