Drew Rasmussen will start for Tampa Bay on three days' rest in Game 5 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, trying to stave off elimination. The 31-year-old right-hander threw 89 pitches over 3 2/3 innings in Game 2, giving up four runs in the first inning and taking no decision as Milwaukee rallied for a 5-4 win and a 2-0 Series lead.
"Called Ras right after he'd left the ballpark, and he was 100% on board wanting the ball," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "He held out from throwing a bullpen yesterday with this possibly in the back of his mind that he's going to go out and prepare. I think Ras, knowing him, he's pretty motivated to get back out there and give us what he can. He wasn't satisfied with how maybe Game 2 went."
Rasmussen has had three major elbow operations in his career, including Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and 2017 and an internal brace procedure in 2023. The two-time All-Star was 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA in the regular season. He previously served as an opener for the Rays in 2024 and made short starts on two days' rest after relief appearances.
Jacob Misiorowski was to start on regular four days' rest for the Brewers, who hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series after a 4-3 loss Tuesday. Tampa Bay used seven pitchers Tuesday, including starter Griffin Jax and relievers Kevin Kelly, Nick Martinez, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells, Cam Booser and Ian Seymour. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero returned to the lineup batting third after leaving Tuesday's game for a pinch runner in the 12th inning.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing