The Tampa Bay Rays are turning to ace Drew Rasmussen on short rest for Game 5 of the World Series. The Rays won Game 4 by a final score of 4-3 to keep the series alive. Tampa Bay still trails the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 in the series, so the Rays' hope is that Rasmussen can start Game 5 strong and give his team a chance to win. Tom Verducci provided an update on Tampa Bay's plan for Rasmussen with the pitcher working on just three days of rest for the second time in his big league career, via FOX Sports: MLB.
“He's a guy who has never pitched — except once — on short rest… Your manager comes up to you during Game 4 and says, ‘Hey, can you take the ball in a Game 5?' Drew Rasmussen said ‘yes.'… Now, how much can they get out of him? The Rays expect only about 60 pitches with Drew on three days of rest.”
If Rasmussen is efficient, he could give the Rays around four innings. In fact, he could even work into the 5th inning if things are going especially well. On the other side of things, there's a chance Tampa Bay may need to turn to its bullpen by the third inning.
Article Continues Below“After that, you'll see Nick Martinez — good for probably two innings,” Verducci said of the plan once Rasmussen is removed from the game on Wednesday. “It's probably easier for me to tell you who is not available. Freddy Peralta, scheduled for that Game 6 if we get there, and Griffin Jax, who pitched last night.”
Game 5 of the World Series is scheduled for 8 PM ET in Tampa Bay.