# Guardians' pitching plan after Messick struggles

> Guardians' pitcher Parker Messick struggles with command in ALDS Game 4, forcing bullpen-heavy Game 5 plan.
- Title: Guardians' pitching plan after Messick struggles · Mlb
- Summary: Guardians' pitcher Parker Messick struggles with command in ALDS Game 4, forcing bullpen-heavy Game 5 plan. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt says Parker…
- Keywords: parker messick, guardians, al division series, gavin williams, stephen vogt, cleveland, progressive field, mlb, alcs, bullpen, relievers, miguel vargas
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/parker-messick-struggles-with-command-in-2026-alds-game-4
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: parker messick, guardians, al division series, gavin williams, stephen vogt, cleveland, progressive field, mlb, alcs, bullpen, relievers, miguel vargas
## Guardians one win from ALCS
The Guardians are one win away from moving on to the American League Championship Series after a 9-5 victory over Chicago.
## Messick struggles with command
Parker Messick struggled with command in his 4 1/3 innings, walking four batters and allowing one run.
## Early bullpen exit
Messick was removed after one out in the third inning following a bases-loaded walk to Munetaka Murakami.
## Seven relievers used
The Guardians utilized seven relievers in Game 4, including All-Star closer Cade Smith.
## Williams takes final outs
Gavin Williams recorded the final three outs in Game 4 after being pulled from the bullpen.
## Game 5 pitching plan
The Guardians will likely use a full bullpen for Game 5 with Gavin Williams starting.
## Key takeaway

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt says Parker Messick's lack of command in ALDS Game 4 against Chicago led to early bullpen use for Game 5.