### Alex Cobb's Season Over After Back Injury; Ben Lively Steps In

NEW YORK -- The Cleveland Guardians have confirmed that pitcher Alex Cobb will miss the remainder of the season due to an acute left low back strain. This announcement came a day after Cobb started Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). The team has quickly moved to replace Cobb with fellow right-hander Ben Lively on the roster, rendering Cobb ineligible for the World Series, should the Guardians advance.

Replacing Cobb, who has been sidelined with a hip issue and back spasms, required approval from Major League Baseball since roster changes during the playoffs can only be made for injured players. Manager Stephen Vogt detailed the severity of the injury, noting that it would normally warrant a stint on the injured list (IL), effectively ending any chances of Cobb returning this year.

Cobb's short tenure with the Guardians has come to a disappointing end. Acquired at the trade deadline from the San Francisco Giants, Cobb managed only five starts: three during the regular season and two in the playoffs. His postseason contributions were particularly underwhelming, as he recorded an 0-2 record with a 7.94 ERA.

Ben Lively, who led the Guardians in regular-season wins with a 13-10 record and a 3.81 ERA over 29 starts, now steps into the spotlight. He hasn't pitched since September 28 and wasn't included in the ALDS roster. This will mark his first foray into postseason play. Lively’s familiarity with the Yankees includes a start last year as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, where he gave up a home run to Aaron Judge in the first inning.

As the Guardians face the challenge of covering six more games potentially without their veteran starter, Vogt confirmed that both Lively and left-hander Gavin Williams are being considered for the crucial Game 3 start in Cleveland. The team has been forced to adapt quickly in response to Cobb’s injury, which was further complicated by timing. Initially set to start Game 5, Cobb's absence leaves the Guardians re-strategizing their pitching lineup for the remaining games.