With their season hanging in the balance on Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Rays are set to call upon their ace Drew Rasmussen, who will be pitching on three days’ rest, in hopes of keeping the team in contention for at least one more day. Just hours prior to the game, the organization revealed that Rasmussen would be the starting pitcher for Game 5 of the World Series.
This will be Rasmussen’s initial start since Game 2 on Saturday, where he conceded three runs across 3 2/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Rays managed to capitalize on Brewers’ starter Logan Henderson during that match, allowing Rasmussen to exit with a one-run advantage.
Unfortunately for the Rays, their bullpen failed to maintain that lead, resulting in a loss in Game 2 and placing them at a 2-0 disadvantage in the series.
Following their victory in Game 4 on Tuesday, the Rays must achieve a clean sweep to overcome the Brewers and claim the 2026 World Series title.
To accomplish this, exceptional pitching will be crucial in the forthcoming three games. In that regard, selecting Rasmussen appears to be the most prudent choice. He was the top pitcher for the team during the regular season, finishing with a 2.67 ERA over 170 innings, an achievement that secured him his second consecutive All-Star selection.
However, entrusting Rasmussen with the ball carries considerable risk. At 31 years old, he will not only pitch on short rest but also needs to provide the Rays with as much length as possible, especially after the team utilized seven pitchers in Tuesday’s Game 4 victory and six pitchers during Monday’s Game 3 defeat.
While it’s likely they will field any available player in Game 5, the team risks sending out a fatigued and overworked pitcher at any moment, a precarious decision for a team that is just one error away from forfeiting the World Series.
Despite his struggles in Game 2 against the Brewers, Rasmussen had previously been outstanding this postseason. Throughout his three earlier starts in the playoffs, he maintained a 1.29 ERA along with 23 strikeouts over the course of 21 innings.
