Guardians manager Stephen Vogt details pitching plan for do-or-die Game 5

A key takeaway from his comments has to do with the team's view that Williams' inning of relief was essentially a "high intensity" bullpen session. 

Starting pitchers have sessions on their non-starting days, and the ace logged only 18 pitches Thursday night. The obvious difference from a regular bullpen session was the high stress of ending the game. Yet that should not have a physical impact on Williams, according to this logic.

Williams will get the start, but that doesn't mean he is assured to have a long outing. Fellow ace Parker Messick was pulled after only 2.1 innings of work on Thursday, showing how quick the hook can be during the playoffs. Vogt made it clear as well that every single pitcher on the roster needs to be ready Saturday.

The Guardians used eight pitchers in Game 4, while the White Sox used seven. Both managers have made it clear they are not sky to replace a pitcher.

Williams will square off against Sean Burke, though it remains to be seen how long both last in what should be a memorable Game 5.