Rasmussen Returns on Three Days Rest to Start Game 5 for Rays

Drew Rasmussen will start for the Tampa Bay Rays on three days of rest in Game 5 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night. The decision comes as Tampa Bay seeks to avoid elimination in the best-of-seven series.

Rasmussen, a 31-year-old right-hander, threw 89 pitches over 3 2/3 innings in Game 2 on Saturday. He took no decision in that contest as Milwaukee rallied for a 5-4 victory, giving the Brewers a 2-0 lead in the series at the time. Rays manager Kevin Cash said he contacted Rasmussen immediately after the pitcher left the ballpark following that appearance. Cash noted that Rasmussen was fully willing to pitch again and had held back from throwing a bullpen session the day prior to prepare his arm.

The right-hander has undergone three major elbow operations in his career, including Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and 2017 and an internal brace procedure in 2023. He finished the regular season with a 16-5 record and a 2.67 ERA. At home, he was 9-3 in 15 starts.

Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy expressed confidence in Rasmussen's ability to pitch effectively despite the short turnaround. Murphy described Rasmussen as one of the best pitchers in the league and a warrior who performs well in St. Petersburg. He stated that the reduced rest period would not negatively impact the pitcher's performance.

Rasmussen has experience with short rest, serving as an opener for the Rays in 2024 and making short starts after relief appearances on two days of rest. The Rays used seven pitchers in Tuesday night's 4-3 loss, which ended in the 12th inning. Griffin Jax started that game, followed by relievers Kevin Kelly, Nick Martinez, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells, Cam Booser, and Ian Seymour.

Junior Caminero will bat third in the lineup after leaving Tuesday's game with a foot injury. The third baseman limped off the field in the 12th inning, favoring his left foot after reaching base on an error and advancing to third on a single. Cash said Caminero has been managing lower-extremity injuries but is ready to play.

Jacob Misiorowski is scheduled to start for the Brewers on four days of rest. Milwaukee holds a 3-1 lead in the series after winning Tuesday's game, which saw the Brewers waste a 12th-inning lead.