Ben Lively's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Cleveland Guardians chose to include veteran right-hander Alex Cobb (finger) on the roster for the American League Division Series against the division-rival Detroit Tigers, with right-hander Ben Lively being the odd man out. Injuries were the story for Cobb in 2024, as he opened the year on the injured list with the San Francisco Giants and then finished the season with the Guardians on the IL due to a blister issue on his right finger. The 36-year-old is apparently doing better now, but he'll most likely be used in a long-relief role out of the bullpen in the postseason. He only made three starts for Cleveland this year, posting a 2.76 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, 10 K's and three walks in 16 1/3 innings. In two career postseason games back in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays, Cobb gave up only two earned runs with 10 K's and three walks over 11 2/3 innings in his two starts.

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Ben Lively (thigh) is listed as the team's probably starter for Sunday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Lively won't have to miss a start after taking a comebacker off his right thigh his last time out against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday in the second inning. The 32-year-old exited with only a bruise and ended up being a disappointing fantasy streamer in an excellent matchup. He'll be looking to bounce back on Sunday after allowing 10 earned runs on 17 hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out only eight in 10 1/3 innings over his last three starts. Fantasy managers will certainly be hoping for more depth out of Lively, as he hasn't gone over 4 1/3 innings since Aug. 24 against the Texas Rangers. In his lone start against Tampa in 2024, Lively took a loss, giving up two earned runs on two walks and seven K's in 5 1/3 frames.

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Ben Lively (thigh) exited his start early on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field due to a right-thigh bruise. Lively hit the deck after taking a comebacker off the bat of outfielder Dominic Fletcher to his thigh. He was helped off the field and removed from the contest. Fantasy managers that were streaming Lively in an excellent matchup have to be disappointed about his early exit. Before being helped off the diamond, he tossed two scoreless frames while allowing a hit, walking none and striking out two. At the very least, the 32-year-old will be questionable to make his next start, and he could also land on the 15-day injured list, which would put him at risk of missing the rest of the regular season as the Guardians try to clinch the American League Central.