Rays’ Kevin Cash explains decision to start Nick Martinez over Drew Rasmussen in World Series Game 1
· Yahoo Sports
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The Tampa Bay Rays are clear underdogs in the 2026 World Series to the Milwaukee Brewers. The series begins Friday in Milwaukee at Miller Park, and the Rays are going to have to win at least one game on the road if they are going to win the World Series.
“When Nick pitches, we win,” Kevin Cash said. “Excited to hand Nick the ball in Game 1 and we’ll go from there.”
Cash said they prioritized getting Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta proper rest. I’d expect Rasmussen to start in Game 2 and Peralta in Game 3 at Tropicana Field. https://t.co/tNyXmN0ywT
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— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 22, 2026
Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash has made a surprising decision in naming his Game 1 starter. He has decided to go with Nick Martinez as his Game 1 hurler over staff ace Drew Rasmussen.
When asked why he made the decision, Cash gave a fairly bold statement. “When Nick pitches, we win,” Cash said, per Rays reporter Ryan Bass. “Excited to hand Nick the ball in Game 1 and we’ll go from there.”
While it is somewhat surprising that Martinez will be getting the Game 1 start, it should not be interpreted as a slight to Rasmussen. He will almost certainly get the start in Game 2 for the Rays and former Brewer Freddy Peralta would get the start in Game 3 when the World Series resumes at the Tropicana Dome in Central Florida.
While the Rays will not send their ace to the mound for the series opener, the Brewers will. Jacob Misiorowski will take the mound for the Brewers in an attempt to give the home team the early lead in the World Series.
Misiorowski had a fantastic season for Milwaukee, compiling a 16-5 record with a 1.80 earned run average and 252 strikeouts in 174.2 innings. He is the likely favorite for the National League Cy Young Award.
Martinez had a 15-6 record for the Rays with a 3.10 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 180 innings.
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