Guardians place Alex Cobb on injured list due to finger blister

The Cleveland Guardians have placed starting pitcher Alex Cobb on the 15-day injured list due to a blister on his middle finger. This injury poses a potential threat to the team's pitching strategy as they approach the postseason. Cobb, who was acquired from San Francisco in July, has been a stabilizing force in the rotation, boasting a 2-1 record and a 2.76 ERA in three starts since joining the Guardians. His recent performance included a near-perfect game against Pittsburgh, highlighting his effectiveness on the mound. Cobb's injury is compounded by a previous issue with a broken nail on his index finger, which has further complicated his ability to contribute consistently. The Guardians are currently leading the AL Central by 4.5 games over the Kansas City Royals, making Cobb's absence particularly concerning as they aim for a strong finish to the season. The team has been managing a series of injuries throughout the year, which has forced first-year manager Stephen Vogt to frequently adjust the pitching rotation. To address Cobb's absence, the Guardians have called up right-hander Andrew Walters from Triple-A Columbus. This move is part of the team's strategy to maintain depth and experience in their pitching staff, especially with the postseason on the horizon. The acquisition of Cobb and the signing of Matthew Boyd were intended to bolster the rotation, but injuries have made it challenging for the team to find stability. As the Guardians prepare for a four-game series against Tampa Bay, the impact of Cobb's injury will be closely monitored, as it could significantly influence their postseason aspirations and overall performance in the coming weeks.