Why is the Guardians-Royals Game Delayed Today? When Will it Start?

Getty

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 23: The rain tarp sits on the infield of Progressive Field during the third inning of the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 23, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The game was suspended in the third inning. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The first pitch of Sunday afternoon’s game between the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field has been delayed due to inclement weather. The game was originally scheduled to begin at 1:40 p.m. EDT.

Via the Guardians on X: Today’s game will start in a delay. More information to follow as we consult with MLB. 

Cleveland Guardians

@CleGuardians · Follow

Today’s game will start in a delay. More information to follow as we consult with MLB. #GuardsBall

12:33 pm · 30 Aug 2026

36 Reply Copy link Read 7 replies

Guardians-Royals Weather Delay: Latest Updates On Weather And Expected Start Time

Update: Game expected to begin at 2:10 p.m. EDT, according to the Guardians.

Cleveland Guardians

@CleGuardians · Follow

Today’s game will begin at 2:10 PM. #GuardsBall

1:21 pm · 30 Aug 2026

36 Reply Copy link Read 3 replies

Here is the hourly forecast in Cleveland as of 12:43 p.m. EDT, according to Weather.com:

• 12:42 p.m. EDT: Showers in the Vicinity
• 1:00 p.m. EDT: 94% Rain
• 2:00 p.m. EDT: 70% Rain
• 3:00 p.m. EDT: 57% Showers
• 4:00 p.m. EDT: 30% Few Showers

There is no inclement weather in the forecast from 5:00 p.m. EDT through the rest of the night.

Via meteorologist Kevin Roth on X (1:16 p.m. EDT): CLE – Eh, moderate rain is clearing. Spotty light stuff beyond that.

Kevin Roth

@KevinRothWx · Follow

⚾️☔️ UPDATE: DET – I love what I’m seeing on radar. Heavy stuff misses north. Maybe a brief late start for this one little shower, but looks dry beyond that. No real issues imo.

CLE – Eh, moderate rain is clearing. Spotty light stuff beyond that, I’d think they play through it?

Watch on X

1:15 pm · 30 Aug 2026

7 Reply Copy link Read 3 replies

This post will be updated with the latest information on the delay.

Cleveland Guardians Lineup

1. Steven Kwan CF
2. Chase DeLauter RF
3. Jose Ramirez DH
4. Jo Adell LF
5. Nathaniel Lowe 1B
6. Travis Bazzana 2B
7. Angel Genao 3B
8. Austin Hedges C
9. Brayan Rocchio SS

Kansas City Royals Lineup

1. Carter Jensen C
2. Bobby Witt Jr. SS
3. Jac Caglianone RF
4. Salvador Perez DH
5. Vinnie Pasquantino 1B
6. Nick Loftin 3B
7. John Rave LF
8. Tyler Tolbert 2B
9. Kyle Isbel CF

Cleveland Guardians Starting Pitcher

Parker Messick is slated to start for the Guardians today. The 25-year-old right-hander is 10-8 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 156 strikeouts over 155 innings in 2026.

Messick allowed just one run over six innings against the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium in his last start.

Kansas City Royals Starting Pitcher

Seth Lugo is expected to start for the Royals this afternoon. The 36-year-old right-hander is 6-7 with a 4.61 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 150 1/3 innings this season.

Lugo allowed one run in five innings of work against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre in his last appearance.