Yankees vs. Tigers: ALCS Game 4 Postponed Due to Weather

If you were hoping to see the Detroit Tigers sweep the New York Yankees out of the ALCS and postseason, you're going to have to wait a bit longer.

According to Major League Baseball, the game has been postponed due to threat of rain and pushed back to Game 5's original slot:

"

BREAKING: Tonight's #ALCS Game 4 between @yankees and @tigers has been postponed until tomorrow at 4 pm ET on @mlb_tbs.

— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2012"

Max Scherzer and CC Sabathia will both still take the mound Thursday afternoon, but it does have a long-term impact on the Yankees rotation.

New York would have liked to see Sabathia throw two of the final four games in this series, assuming the Yankees extend the series that far.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, that's not going to happen now:

"

#yanks lose offday with rainout. so cc wont be able to start game 7 in addition to 4. #whenitrainsitpours

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) October 18, 2012"

That could be a tremendous blow if the series does wind up going the full length. Sabathia, being the team ace, is the most reliable option on the Yankees staff.

But, that doesn't mean the postponement is without its positives.

New York used five relief pitchers after Phil Hughes was lifted in the fourth inning Tuesday night. Giving the bullpen an extra day of rest will be extremely beneficial, especially against a team like the Tigers.

Detroit's bullpen has struggled throughout the playoffs, and if the Yankees can bring a rested group to the mound in the late innings, that could provide a major advantage for the Bronx Bombers.

On top of that, there is the whole momentum factor. Detroit is flying high after four consecutive wins. Now, the Tigers have to think about things just a bit longer.

The Yankees offense has been deadly all season. Slumping at this point is odd, and taking an extra day to regroup could benefit Joe Girardi's team.

If you've watched any of the postseason so far, you know how crazy things have been. A series comeback isn't out of the realm of possibility, and Game 4's postponement could provide a tiny boost.

The Tigers are still in the driver's seat, but taking care of business Wednesday night would have been easier on their nerves. Now, we will have to wait one more day to see what happens.