Parker Messick Struggles in ALCS Game 5 as Innings Load Catches Up

Cleveland Guardians rookie left-hander Parker Messick reached the 200-inning mark in 2026 during ALCS Game 5 against the Rays, but struggled through two taxing innings. Messick needed 57 pitches to get six outs, allowing five hits and two walks before being removed in the third. After a stellar regular season featuring a 2.56 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 32 starts (186.2 IP), Messick has hit a wall in the postseason with a 2.05 WHIP over 13.2 innings.