# Guardians' Rookie Star Messick Named ALDS Starter

> Guardians' rookie Parker Messick earns ALDS start after Spring Training breakthrough.
- Title: Guardians' Rookie Star Messick Named ALDS Starter · Mlb
- Summary: Guardians' rookie Parker Messick earns ALDS start after Spring Training breakthrough. Parker Messick, a 2025 AL Rookie of the Year candidate with 193…
- Keywords: parker messick, gavin williams, guardians, al division series, al wild card series, cleveland, white sox, mlb, alds, spring training, rookie of the year, cy young
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/parker-messick-gavin-williams-to-start-alds-games-1-and-2-for-guardians
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: parker messick, gavin williams, guardians, al division series, al wild card series, cleveland, white sox, mlb, alds, spring training, rookie of the year, cy young
## Spring Training Breakthrough
Parker Messick earned his spot on the Guardians' Opening Day roster after Spring Training, a moment he described as relief after entering 2026 with seven big league starts.

> Words can't describe it. It's been an incredible year, from what I thought this year was going to be for me to what it is now.
## ALDS Starter Designation
Manager Stephen Vogt named Messick the Guardians' starter for Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the White Sox at Progressive Field, with Gavin Williams starting Game 2.
## Strikeout Leader
Williams led the American League in strikeouts (248) with a 3.76 ERA in 184 1/3 innings over 32 starts, the latter two being career highs.
## Rookie Performance
Messick recorded a 2.56 ERA (sixth in MLB) in 186 1/3 innings (seventh) with 193 strikeouts and 49 walks, only Herb Score had more strikeouts as a rookie in Cleveland franchise history.
## Consistent Performer
Messick allowed three or fewer runs in 29 starts and two or fewer in 25 outings, consistently competing with a six-pitch mix to get outs.
## White Sox History
Messick made four starts against the White Sox this season, logging a 2.81 ERA with 29 strikeouts and five walks in 25 2/3 innings.
## Postseason Strategy
If the series reaches Game 4, Messick would start on normal rest; if it goes to Game 5, Williams could start on five days’ rest.
## Key takeaway

Parker Messick, a 2025 AL Rookie of the Year candidate with 193 strikeouts, starts Game 1 of the ALDS against the White Sox after being guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster.