The Guardians finalized their roster for their ALCS showdown with the Yankees and announced only one change to their ALDS roster: infielder/outfielder Angel Martinez was swapped for a right-handed reliever Pedro Avila.

Martinez, 22, was added to the ALDS squad midway through the series, replacing him Tyler Freeman after suffering a left oblique strain. Freeman did not play in a game during the Division Series, but sustained the injury during a simulated game leading up to that round of games. Martinez took his place on the roster but ended up only making one appearance. With the Guards now facing a best-of-seven series, they are more likely to opt for an extra arm in the bullpen rather than a switch-hit utility man off the bench.

Avila, 27, was acquired from the Padres on a refund in April after San Diego designated him for assignment. He later played an important role as a multi-inning option Stephan Vogts bullpen, appearing in 50 games with Cleveland and pitching 74 2/3 innings. Along the way, he posted a 3.25 ERA, fanned 23% of his opponents, issued walks at a 9.4% clip, and left 43.1% of his opponents’ batted balls on the ground.

Avila has been used primarily in lower-leverage spots and will likely work in a similar role if needed in the ALCS. He had several appearances in 2024 that spanned more than one frame, capping it off with a handful of appearances over three innings.

The ALCS begins tonight at 7:38 p.m. ET in New York as the Guards send the veteran righty Alex Cobb to the mound against the Yankees’ left-hander Carlos Rodon. Neither has done particularly well in the postseason so far. Game 2 will be a battle of staff aces as Cleveland sends young players Tanner Bibee to the mound against the 2023 Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. The Yankees will broadcast Clarke Smith to the mound in Game 3 on Thursday. The Guardians have not yet announced a starter for Game 3. Matthew Boyd And Gavin Williams are the only two other starters on the squad.

Overall, Cleveland’s ALCS roster is broken down as follows:

Catcher

infielder

Outfielder

Pitchers