The Tampa Bay Rays could have a surprise in store for their World Series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers as they consider their options for Game 1 on Friday. Tampa Bay has yet to officially announce its starting pitcher, leaving room for a potential change to its expected rotation.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic raised the possibility of an unconventional decision in a post on X Thursday. “The Rays love a plot twist. Should we expect one with their Game 1 starter?” Rosenthal wrote while sharing his latest column on the team’s pitching plans.
Drew Rasmussen appears to be the conventional choice after a strong regular season. The right-hander finished 2026 with a 16-5 record, a 2.67 ERA and 174 strikeouts across 172 innings. He also recorded a 0.91 WHIP, making him one of Tampa Bay’s most reliable starters.
However, Rosenthal’s column points toward Nick Martinez as a potential alternative for the opener, with Rasmussen moving to Game 2 and Freddy Peralta starting Game 3. Such an arrangement would give Rasmussen additional rest while allowing Tampa Bay to adjust its rotation for the series.
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The decision comes after the Rays finished the regular season with a 98-64 record, winning the American League East and securing the league’s top postseason seed. They advanced to the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Championship Series.
Milwaukee presents a difficult challenge. The Brewers finished 103-59, the best record in baseball, before sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Right-hander Jacob Misiorowski is set to start Game 1 for Milwaukee after recording a 16-5 record and a 1.80 ERA during the regular season.
Tampa Bay’s pitching decision could influence how both teams approach the opening game and the remainder of the series. Martinez offers flexibility, while Rasmussen’s regular-season production makes him a strong option to face Milwaukee’s lineup early.
The Rays and Brewers are scheduled to begin the World Series Friday at American Family Field. Until Tampa Bay confirms its starter, Rasmussen remains the expected conventional choice, while Martinez represents a possible alternative raised in Rosenthal’s reporting.
