Rays Rely on Rasmussen's 89-Pitch Arm for Series Game 5

The World Series has reached a critical juncture for the Tampa Bay Rays, who trail the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1. With elimination looming, the Rays have called upon their ace, Drew Rasmussen, to start Game 5 on only three days of rest. The matchup is set for Wednesday night in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Rasmussen, a 31-year-old right-hander, faced the Brewers on Saturday in Game 2. He threw 89 pitches and exited after 3 2/3 innings. During that outing, he surrendered four runs in the first frame. Although he recorded no decision, the Brewers rallied to win 5-4, extending their Series lead. Manager Kevin Cash said he contacted Rasmussen immediately after the pitcher left the ballpark. Cash noted that Rasmussen was fully willing to take the mound again.

Cash explained that Rasmussen skipped a bullpen session on Monday to prepare for this specific start. The manager described his pitcher as motivated to return to the field and improve upon his performance in Game 2. Rasmussen has a history of elbow issues, having undergone three major operations. These include Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and 2017 and an internal brace procedure in 2023. In the 2026 regular season, the two-time All-Star finished with a 16-5 record and a 2.67 earned average.

The decision to use Rasmussen on short rest follows a pattern established in 2024. That year, he served as an opener for Tampa Bay and made short starts on two days' rest following relief appearances. For the Brewers, Jacob Misiorowski is scheduled to start on his regular four days of rest. The Brewers took a 3-1 Series lead after losing Tuesday night's game 4-3. They squandered a 12th-inning lead in that contest.

Tampa Bay deployed seven pitchers in Tuesday's loss. Starter Griffin Jax pitched, followed by relievers Kevin Kelly, Nick Martinez, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells, Cam Booser, and Ian Seymour. The Rays' lineup for Wednesday includes third baseman Junior Caminero, who will bat third. Caminero left Tuesday's game for a pinch runner in the 12th inning after limping on his left foot. He had advanced from first to third base on a single by Liam Hicks before being substituted.

Cash indicated that Caminero is dealing with lower extremity injuries but believes he is ready to play. The manager acknowledged that many players on both teams are managing minor injuries during the postseason. Cash stated he expects Caminero to be fully prepared for the game.