Cade Smith Explains Guardians Playoff Pitching Role Against White Sox

Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith addressed his increased postseason workload as Cleveland prepared for its American League Division Series Game 5 against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. The reliever said the team is using every available pitcher to win.

According to cleveland.com, Smith pitched in Games 3 and 4 after Cleveland faced a 0-2 series deficit. The Guardians won Games 3 and 4 by a combined 18-8 score to force a decisive matchup.

Smith was removed after throwing 31 pitches in Game 4, when Gavin Williams entered after Miguel Vargas hit a home run and Munetaka Murakami walked. Cleveland won 9-5, with Williams recording the final outs.

"This is the postseason. This is do-or-die, every game matters. ... All hands on deck.

There's been conversations with the coaching staff and with (Vogt) about what to expect so I'm on the same page with them. But what I told them is I want to help the team win in any capacity I can to the best of my ability. It's all hands on deck," said Cade Smith, Guardians closer.

Smith finished the regular season with 41 saves and earned American League Reliever of the Month honors in September, according to cleveland.com. His playoff role has included multiple innings and appearances on consecutive days.

"It doesn't feel good, right? As a reliever, our job is to go out there and put up a zero and finish your inning, and I think there's a lot of guys down there including myself who take great pride in that," said Cade Smith, Guardians closer.

"For me to go through that and to be taken out and Gavin to come in behind me, it's not something I'm pleased with myself of, because I feel like I didn't complete my job as I could have," said Cade Smith, Guardians closer.

Manager Stephen Vogt has relied on Smith in high-pressure situations throughout the season. Vogt also said Smith's preparation helped him handle the heavier postseason demands.

"This is do or die, every game matters. It's the embodiment of that statement that it's all hands on deck," said Cade Smith, Guardians closer.

Vogt said Williams was ready to contribute despite finishing Game 4 in relief before his scheduled Game 5 start. Williams threw 18 pitches to close the previous game.

"Cade felt great yesterday and he's feeling good today. Obviously they're about to go out and throw, and we'll get the full report on how he's feeling, but he told me he'd be ready to go," said Stephen Vogt, Guardians manager.

"He's consistently available. He works so hard to keep his body ready. He's meticulous with his prep and detail and he's honest with me," said Stephen Vogt, Guardians manager.

Smith said he was maintaining the same preparation routine while Cleveland's pitching staff adjusted to postseason demands. The Guardians expected another possible extended outing in Game 5.

"Feeling really good, really excited. I think boys as a group are ready to go, and I'm looking forward to tonight," said Cade Smith, Guardians closer.

Cleveland entered the series with home-field advantage after winning the American League Central. Earlier in the postseason, Smith described the atmosphere of playing October games in front of Guardians fans.

"Postseason home games are so much fun," said Cade Smith, Guardians closer.

Smith credited Williams for helping preserve the Game 4 victory after he exited. Cleveland's bullpen remained central to the team's attempt to advance to the American League Championship Series.

"I am super grateful for that, the fact that he came in and picked me up and locked down the win. I mean, that's all you can ask for this time of year is winning the game, right?" said Cade Smith, Guardians closer.