Alex Cobb Off ALCS Roster Due to Back Injury
Cleveland’s acquisition of Cobb before the trade deadline in July aimed shore up their injury-plagued and underperforming rotation. However, Cobb’s pre-existing injury issues persisted, hindering his ability to stay healthy and make a meaningful impact. As he enters free agency this winter, his struggles will likely hurt his value to potential suitors.
After undergoing offseason hip surgery and shoulder inflammation during spring training, Cobb didn’t make his season debut until August 9, making three starts in the regular season. In his final start on September 1, Cobb took a perfect game into the seventh inning before giving up an infield single. Cobb missed another month with a torn fingernail and a blister, returning in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers. The 37-year-old gave up two runs on three hits over three innings in a 3-0 defeat, throwing 41 pitches in that outing.
In 13 major league seasons, Cobb is 79-76 with a 3.84 ERA in 233 starts for the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Guardians.
Lively, a 32-year-old right-hander, was 13-10 with a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts. He last pitched on September 28 against the Houston Astros on the next-to-last day of the regular season.
As outlined in the rules, the Commissioner’s Office has the discretion to approve or disapprove such requests based on specific facts and circumstances. Having granted approval, Cobb will now be ineligible to participate in the remainder of the postseason, including the World Series, should the Guardians advance.
Main Photo: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
