Rays tab Glasnow to start ALCS Game 4

October 12th, 2020

The last time faced the Astros, he gave up four runs in the first inning en route to a loss in Game 5 of the 2019 American League Division Series. Moments after that, Glasnow acknowledged that he had been tipping his pitches, explaining why Houston was able to jump out to a quick lead.

A year later, Glasnow has been tabbed as the starter for Game 4 of the AL Championship Series on Wednesday, and the right-hander will have a chance to avenge the loss and perhaps even punch the Rays’ ticket to the World Series for the first time since 2008.

“They’ve obviously been through a lot, and they’ve actually played really well,” Glasnow said. “I think after last year, I personally would love to face them again.”

With a 2-1 win over the Astros in Game 1 on Sunday, the Rays are up 1-0 in the best-of-seven ALCS. Charlie Morton will pitch Game 2 on Monday, and the Rays have not announced a starter for Game 3, though Ryan Yarbrough is expected to pitch the bulk of the innings, either as the starter or behind an opener. The decision to go with Glasnow in Game 4, as opposed to Game 3, came because Tampa Bay wanted Glasnow to pitch on full rest.

In Glasnow’s previous start -- 2 1/3 scoreless in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Yankees on Friday -- he pitched on just two days’ rest for the first time in his career as a starter. Because he was able to recover quickly, the Rays have confidence that he would be able to bounce back and pitch on short rest in a potential Game 7, if needed.

“Just to go out [Friday] and experience what it’s like to go on short rest is reassuring,” Glasnow said. “Because I know I’ll be able to do it again.”

Glasnow went 5-1 with a 4.08 ERA in the regular season and is 2-0 with a 4.05 ERA in three postseason starts this year. The Rays have won each of Glasnow’s past 11 starts.