Parker Messick Set for ALDS Game 1 Start Following Stellar Rookie Season

Guardians rookie left-hander Parker Messick will take the mound for Game 1 of the ALDS following a dominant regular season where he posted a 2.56 ERA over 32 starts—the lowest by a qualified rookie since 2013. Messick's signature four-seam fastball generated a +26 run value, holding opposing batters to a .186 average with 101 strikeouts. A 1.5 mph velocity increase to 94.4 mph, combined with exceptional command and deceptive delivery, turned his heater into one of MLB's premier pitches.