Parker Messick started Game 4 of the American League Division Series. Gavin Williams came in and pitched in the 9th inning to shut the door on the Chicago White Sox in the contest. Cleveland won by a final score of 9-5. With Williams only pitching in one inning, it was not especially surprising that Cleveland decided to start him in Game 5 of the ALDS. However, Messick is reportedly available to pitch if necessary on Saturday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

“Every Guardians pitcher is available tonight, including Parker Messick,” Meisel wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The series is currently tied 2-2. Whichever team wins Saturday night's Game 5 will advance to the ALCS to play the Tampa Bay Rays. Cleveland and Chicago have gone back and forth all season, and now one contest is set to determine which ball club will move on in the MLB playoffs.

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One has to imagine the Guardians would prefer to avoid having to use Messick if possible. The ALCS will begin on Monday, so having him available for a potential Game 1 start would obviously benefit Cleveland. However, the Guardians have to defeat the White Sox in order to even think about the ALCS. If using Messick ends up being required to accomplish that goal, manager Stephen Vogt surely won't hesitate to turn to the 2026 All-Star.

It projects to be a competitive game between the White Sox and Guardians. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday night at 8 PM ET in Cleveland as the Guards look to advance to the ALCS.