Guardians add Lively to ALCS roster, remove Cobb due to back strain

The Cleveland Guardians removed Game 1 starter Alex Cobb from the American League Championship Series roster because of an acute left low back strain, the club announced Tuesday.

Right-hander Ben Lively will replace Cobb for the rest of the best-of-seven series against the New York Yankees.

Cobb, who took the loss in the ALCS opener, left Monday's contest because of hip tightness and a back spasm after allowing three earned runs on five hits with three walks over 2 2/3 innings.

The 37-year-old has been limited to five starts this season due to injuries. The Guardians acquired him from the San Francisco Giants at this year's trade deadline.

Meanwhile, Lively went 13-10 with a 3.81 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 118 strikeouts over 151 innings (29 starts) during the regular season.