The Tampa Bay Rays picked Drew Rasmussen as their starter for Games 1 of the ALDS and ALCS. However, in a bit of a surprise move, the Rays are rolling with Nick Martinez as their starter for Game 1 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday.
When asked about the fact that Rasmussen wasn't picked to get the ball first in the World Series, the Rays ace has no problem with it.
“It’s really nice having that guy and having the ability to say, ‘Hey, man, we’re going with him,’” Rasmussen said, per Adam Berry of MLB.com. “That puts my mind at ease, for sure. … We’re confident he’s going to get us off in the right direction.”
Speaking about his decision to start Martinez for Game 1, Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “When Nick pitches, we win.” That has been true in the postseason, as the Rays have won both of Martinez's starts. He gave up three earned runs on nine innings, with six strikeouts.
Article Continues BelowRasmussen has been by far the superior performer during this postseason, though. He pitched gems in two of his three starts, giving him an ERA of 1.29 over 21.0 innings. He pitched eight scoreless innings to beat the Yankees 1-0. He then gave up just one run in seven innings of work during the pivotal Game 5 win to give the Rays the series lead over the Guardians.
It remains to be seen whether Cash's decision to start Martinez for Game 1 will be a good one. But Rasmussen will get the ball for Game 2, while reigning ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta will go for Game 3 when the series shifts back home to St. Petersburg.