ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A red-hot Jose Ramirez leads the Cleveland Guardians into Florida to battle the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the ALCS today – Monday, Oct. 12 – at Tropicana Field. This MLB postseason game is available on multiple streaming services.

How to watch Guardians vs. Rays ALCS on TV and streaming services:

• What: MLB ALCS Game 1: Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays
• When: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026
• Time: 8 p.m. Eastern
• Channel: TBS, truTV, HBO Max and Univision (Spanish)
• Where: Tropicana Field | St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month) and SlingTV

How do I watch Guardians vs. Rays ALCS game for free today?

This Guardians vs. Rays ALCS game will broadcast live on TBS, truTV, HBO Max and Univision (Spanish) at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can watch at no cost by grabbing a free trial from DIRECTV, which also offers $35 off your first month.

You can also watch this playoff game on SlingTV with the Sling Orange for just $45.99 per month. Sling Orange includes TBS, TNT and ESPN, among other channels.

Here are five storylines to watch for today’s game:

1. Cleveland Completed a Historic 0-2 Series Comeback

After dropping the first two games at home and mustering just seven hits, the Guardians rebounded with 18 runs across Games 3 and 4 before securing a 2-0 shutout in Game 5 behind Gavin Williams’ 12-strikeout gem. Cleveland became only the fourth team in MLB history to overcome an 0-2 Division Series deficit after losing the first two games on home turf.

2. Jose Ramirez Sparked Cleveland’s Offensive Turnaround

Franchise cornerstone Jose Ramirez broke out of a slump to lead Cleveland’s offense, compiling five hits, two home runs, and seven RBIs over his last three games. He is joined by Jo Adell, who carries a four-game hitting streak with six RBIs into the ALCS.

3. Dominant Pitching Propelled the Rays to a Series Sweep

The top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays earned their first ALCS berth since 2020 by sweeping the New York Yankees in three games. Tampa Bay’s pitching staff dominated the series, surrendering only 12 hits, five runs, and two home runs across the entire set.

4. Tampa Bay Controlled the Regular-Season Matchup

The Rays hold a distinct edge in recent head-to-head play after winning the regular-season series against the Guardians 5-1. During those six games, Tampa Bay outscored Cleveland by a wide 20-8 margin.

5. Game 1 Presents a Sharp Contrast on the Mound

Tampa Bay will start ace Drew Rasmussen, who enters well-rested with a 0.00 postseason ERA after striking out 10 and allowing just one hit in his sparkling ALDS Game 1 outing. He faces Cleveland’s trade deadline acquisition, Foster Griffin, who steps into his traditional starting role after the Guardians relied heavily on an all-arms bullpen approach to survive against the White Sox.