Rain postpones ALCS Game 4

Detroit, MI - The threat of rain has postponed Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park until Thursday.

The weather was clear at 8:07 p.m. (et), the time the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees were scheduled to start Wednesday's tilt, but an impending thunderstorm forced a delayed start that never materialized.

Thursday's first pitch is set for 4:07 p.m. (et), when the Tigers try to finish off a sweep with Max Scherzer on the hill. CC Sabathia, who has won seven of his last eight postseason decisions for New York, will toe the rubber for the Yankees, who have scored a mere one run off starting pitchers this series.

That run came off Justin Verlander in the ninth inning on Tuesday, but Detroit held on for a 2-1 win to move within one victory of its first World Series appearance since 2006.

The Yankees' starting lineup again looked different Wednesday, as Curtis Granderson, the owner of 43 home runs in the regular season, was the latest regular to be benched by manager Joe Girardi. Nick Swisher moved back into his usual spot in right field after sitting out Tuesday's loss.

Three-time league MVP Alex Rodriguez, who has hit just .130 with one run scored and no RBI in the playoffs, was replaced at third base by Eric Chavez for the second straight game. Chavez has yet to record a hit in 14 at-bats, tying the longest streak by a Yankee at the start of a postseason.

The Tigers ousted New York during their AL pennant run in '06 and again in the Division Series last year.

If the Yankees win Thursday, the teams will play Game 5 in Detroit on Friday, which was scheduled to be a travel day. Game 6, if necessary, will still be played in New York on Saturday.