Guardians and Tigers are postponed and will play a straight doubleheader Friday

The series opener between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers was postponed because of rain in the forecast Thursday.

The AL Central rivals will play a straight doubleheader at Progressive Field on Friday starting at 4:10 p.m.

Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (1-3, 2.80 ERA) is scheduled to face Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (2-2, 4.18 ERA) in the opener.

Detroit right-hander Matt Manning (4-4, 4.60 ERA) starts the second game versus Guardians righty Xzavion Curry (3-1, 3.39 ERA). Skubal and Curry were the scheduled pitchers Thursday. The Tigers will be playing their sixth doubleheader of the season, while Cleveland is set for its fourth. Detroit swept the Guardians in a twinbill at Comerica Park on April 18.

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Shortstop Javier Báez, who has been on the bereavement list since Sunday, will rejoin the Tigers before the first game.

Báez traveled to Puerto Rico following the death of his grandfather.

The Guardians plan to recall former closer James Karinchak from Triple-A Columbus and place reliever Michael Kelly on the injured list with back spasms. Karinchak made 32 appearances, posting a 2-4 record and 3.90 ERA, before being optioned on June 10.

RHP Mason Englert (left hip tightness), who has been on the IL since July 24, worked two scoreless innings on his rehab assignment for Triple-A Toledo versus Omaha. The 23-year-old made his big league debut on March 30 at Tampa Bay.

“Mason has been very good answering any challenges we give him,” manager A.J. Hinch said. RHP Cal Quantrill (right shoulder inflammation) will remain on his rehab assignment and throw 85 pitches on Sunday, either for Columbus or Double-A Akron. Manager Terry Francona said Quantrill “wasn’t real thrilled” when told he would not be activated from the IL before making at least one more minor league appearance.

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