Gavin Williams starts Game 3 for Cleveland

Right-hander struck out 12 in ALDS Game 5 on Oct. 11.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Gavin Williams takes the hill in today's game 3. #GuardsBall | #StandGuard https://t.co/aeOkK5ljx9 Via @CleGuardians on X

What happened: Cleveland named Gavin Williams its starting pitcher for Thursday's postseason Game 3. The assignment follows his franchise-record-tying 12-strikeout performance in ALDS Game 5 on Oct. 11.

Why it matters: Williams takes the ball for a pivotal middle game of the series after surpassing the 200-strikeout mark during the 2026 season. Thursday's daytime schedule also favors the right-hander, who has posted markedly sharper splits in afternoon starts than under the lights.

By the numbers: Williams logged 12 strikeouts in ALDS Game 5, reached 200 strikeouts in 2026, and carries a 2.42 ERA in day games compared to a 4.82 ERA in night games.

What to watch: First pitch for Game 3 is set for Thursday afternoon with Williams on the mound.

Sources

@CleGuardians 2026-10-15T14:05:14.076999+00:00

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