The Tampa Bay Rays have named Nick Martinez their starting pitcher for Game 1 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, giving the veteran right-hander the ball Friday at American Family Field.
Martinez will oppose Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski as the American League and National League champions begin their best-of-seven series. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 23.
Martinez’s selection comes instead of Drew Rasmussen, who started Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. Tampa Bay is giving Rasmussen extra rest after a heavy postseason workload, with the right-hander expected to start Game 2.
Martinez recorded a 3.10 ERA across 31 regular-season starts and earned his first All-Star selection.
Martinez helped Tampa Bay advance past Cleveland. In Game 4 of the ALCS, he allowed one run on two hits across 5 1/3 innings, helping the Rays even the series.
The matchup will test Martinez against a Milwaukee lineup that helped the Brewers win 103 regular-season games. Misiorowski led the majors with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts, but he has not completed five innings in either of his first two postseason starts.
Tampa Bay’s decision also preserves flexibility for the rotation. Rasmussen gets another day to recover, while Martinez takes the opening assignment after pitching effectively in the ALCS.
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The Rays and Brewers are both seeking the first World Series championship in franchise history. That gives the opener added significance, with the winner taking an early lead in a series that will determine which club makes history.
Martinez’s task is to keep Tampa Bay close against a tough opponent and give the Rays a chance to strike first in the Fall Classic. Martinez gets the chance to set the tone early, while Rasmussen remains lined up for a role later in the series.
