Guardians–Rays fans get a weekday afternoon ALCS Game 3

Fans planning to watch ALCS Game 3 on Thursday must move their schedules forward five hours. MLB has changed the Guardians–Rays start in Cleveland from 6 p.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern on October 15 because rain is forecast for that night.

MLB’s official announcement on Wednesday says the earlier start is a proactive step to keep the American League Championship Series on schedule. The teams are off Wednesday after playing the opening two games at enclosed Tropicana Field.

Jorge Castillo reported the change for ESPN. Cleveland won Game 1, and Tampa Bay’s 3-1 win Tuesday tied the series at one game apiece. Games 3, 4 and 5 are scheduled at Progressive Field on consecutive days through Saturday.

The new Game 3 start remains on TBS and the other listed TNT Sports platforms. MLB identifies TBS, truTV, UniMas and HBO Max for the 1 p.m. Eastern telecast. ESPN Radio will provide national radio coverage.

If needed, the series returns to Tropicana Field for Games 6 and 7 after Sunday’s scheduled off-day. Wednesday’s announcement changes the Game 3 start time; it does not report a postponement or a result.

Sources

MLB: ALCS Game3 time change · ESPN: Cleveland weather prompts ALCS time change