Why the Game 3 Rainout Could Have Big Impact on the ALCS

As raindrops fall in Kansas City—postponing Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, per MLB.com—wheels are turning in both the Royals and Baltimore Orioles clubhouses.

No one likes a rainout. It delays the action (no baseball today!), messes with schedules and generally gums up the October works.

When it happens, though—and let's face it, this is autumn in the Midwest we're talking about—it always creates some intrigue, as managers scramble and scheme to gain an advantage or mitigate potential problems.

While we wait for the precipitation to pass, let's examine a few key areas where Monday's washout could impact this year's ALCS for both clubs—for better or worse.

Reshuffle the Aces?

Alex Brandon/Associated Press/Associated Press

Both the Orioles and Royals started their No. 1 arms in Game 1: Chris Tillman for Baltimore and James Shields for Kansas City. 

It's less of an issue for K.C., being up 2-0. For the O's, though, the extra day off means they could go back to Tillman on regular rest in Game 4. The Orioles are obviously hoping to win Tuesday. If they don't, they'd surely want their best starter on the hill for an elimination contest.

"He's on normal rest, so yeah, he's an option," O's manager Buck Showalter said, per The Associated Press (via ESPN.com).

Granted, Tillman wasn't exactly lights-out in Game 1, surrendering five runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings. But he's the ace—the guy you turn to when your back's against the wall.

Now, thanks to Mother Nature, Baltimore can turn to him a bit sooner if needed.

Extra Strain on the Pens

While the rainout means extra rest for some players, it could ultimately mean more strain on the bullpens.

Monday's game will be pushed to Tuesday, with Game 4 now scheduled for Wednesday. Game 5, if necessary, would be played on Thursday, and Games 6 and 7 would take place back in Baltimore on Friday and Saturday as originally planned.

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

With the off day between Games 5 and 6 being wiped out, the possibility of the pens working five days in a row is opened, if the series goes that deep.

It's obviously speculation, and Kansas City could put it all to rest with a couple more wins at home. But the first two games of this ALCS were tight, bullpen-heavy affairs; no starter has gotten out of the sixth inning for either team.

If the Orioles turn the tables and find a way to win on the road, each squad could find its relief corps running on fumes.

Who Goes in Game 7?

Again, we're speculating. But let's suppose the series stretches to a Game 7. What's the pitching matchup? Before, it almost surely would have been the Game 3 starters: Wei-Yin Chen for Baltimore and Jeremy Guthrie for Kansas City.

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Now, with Chen and Guthrie set to go Tuesday, the situation is less clear.

Chen and Guthrie could still go on short rest. The only other option, assuming Showalter and Royals skipper Ned Yost don't want anyone pitching on super short rest, would be each team's No. 5 starter: Kevin Gausman for the O's and Danny Duffy for Kansas City. Hardly ideal with everything on the line.

Of course, this isn't the first time two clubs have faced this dilemma, as ESPN.com's David Schoenfield recalls:

"

Part of what made the 2004 ALCS such a classic series was that two extra-inning games between the Red Sox and Yankees and a rainout before Game 3 created havoc once Game 7 rolled around because some starters had been used in relief. The Yankees started Kevin Brown on three days' rest and he got knocked out in the second inning. The Red Sox started Derek Lowe on two days' rest and he was magnificent, allowing one run and one hit in six innings. 

"

We won't know how this one ends up until the wetness stops and the games resume.

One thing's certain: The rain will do nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of a Kauffman Stadium crowd that has waited nearly three decades to witness an ALCS game.

What are a few puddles compared to that?

All statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference.