Fri Oct 18 00:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Guardians Pitcher Alex Cobb’s Season Ends Due to Back Injury

**CLEVELAND, OH** – The Cleveland Guardians have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the World Series title. Starting pitcher Alex Cobb, who started Game 1 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees, has been ruled out for the remainder of the postseason with an acute left low back strain.

Cobb, who joined the Guardians at the trade deadline, had a challenging season that included hip surgery and multiple stints on the injured list. The injury, which occurred during Monday’s Game 1 loss, forced Cobb to leave the game early after just 2 ⅔ innings.

“It’s been a challenging year,” Cobb said. “Timing of this one coming in the postseason makes it extra difficult. It’s a moment I’ve been waiting for my whole career and to not be able to contribute — to put the team in a hole yesterday was challenging.”

In Cobb’s place, the Guardians have activated right-handed pitcher Ben Lively, who led the team in wins during the regular season. Lively is a possible starter for Game 3 in Cleveland, along with left-hander Gavin Williams.

Manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the significant impact of Cobb’s injury. “This type of injury would be a full blown IL stint,” Vogt said. “And with the timing of the year, the chances of him pitching again were very, very, very slim.”

Lively, who last pitched on September 28th, is eager for the opportunity. “I’m just staying on the same workout program as I was when I was starting: workout day, heavy bullpen day mixed in between and just try to stay built up,” he said.

The Guardians face a tough road ahead, down 0-2 in the series after Wednesday’s 6-3 loss to the Yankees. With Cobb out, the pressure is on Lively and the rest of the pitching staff to step up and keep the Guardians’ World Series hopes alive.

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