Rays Start Martinez Over Rasmussen in World Series Opener

The Tampa Bay Rays made a bold move ahead of Game 1 of the World Series, opting to start Nick Martinez instead of ace Drew Rasmussen, according to the New York Post ^[1]. Manager Kevin Cash cited Rasmussen’s heavy playoff workload—21 innings in October, including a seven-inning, one-run performance in Game 5 of the ALCS—as a key reason for the decision ^[2].

Martinez, 36, earned the start after a career-best season and a strong postseason showing, holding the Guardians to one run over 5⅓ innings in Game 4 of the ALCS ^[1]. The right-hander, who signed a one-year, $13 million deal before spring training, posted a 3.10 ERA in 180 innings during the regular season and a 2.38 ERA on the road ^[2].

Cash said the team wanted to maximize Rasmussen’s effectiveness by giving him five full days of rest, setting him up for a likely Game 2 start ^[1]. The move also benefits Freddy Peralta, the likely Game 3 starter, who gains an extra day of rest.

Martinez, who had never started a postseason game before this year, said he was excited and confident in the staff’s depth ^[2]. He noted that team dinners, which he organizes in each road city, have become a bonding ritual—his Game 1 start came after a dinner at a local steakhouse.

He will face Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski, the 2026 NL Cy Young favorite with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts ^[1]. The Brewers and Rays, both low-payroll teams with top records, meet in the Fall Classic after a late-March matchup in Milwaukee, where Martinez held the Brewers to two runs in six innings ^[2].

The Rays improved to 2-2 in that series; now, they face a rematch with the World Series title on the line.