Rays Call Up Rasmussen on Three Days Rest to Start Game 5

Baseball fans in St. Petersburg, Florida, will see a familiar figure on the mound Wednesday night, but under unusual circumstances. Drew Rasmussen will start Game 5 of the World Series for the Tampa Bay Rays on only three days of rest. The decision places the 31-year-old right-hander in a critical role as the team attempts to stop the Milwaukee Brewers from winning the series.

Rasmussen faced the Brewers in Game 2 on Saturday. He threw 89 pitches over three and two-thirds innings but left without a decision after Milwaukee rallied for a 5-4 victory. That loss gave the Brewers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Now, with the Rays trailing 3-1 after Tuesday’s game, Rasmussen must perform on short notice to keep Tampa Bay alive.

Manager Kevin Cash confirmed the plan immediately after Saturday’s game. "Called Ras right after he’d left the ballpark, and he was 100% on board wanting the ball," Cash said. The manager noted that Rasmussen skipped a bullpen session on Tuesday to prepare for the start. Cash described Rasmussen as motivated to return, adding that the pitcher was not satisfied with his performance in Game 2.

Rasmussen’s arm has been a point of focus throughout his career. He has undergone three major elbow operations, including Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and 2017 and an internal brace procedure in 2023. Despite this history, the two-time All-Star finished the regular season with a 16-5 record and a 2.67 earned run average. He was 9-3 in 15 home starts.

Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy downplayed the impact of the shortened rest period. "Knowing Ras the way we know Ras and the type of warrior he is, he’s one of the best pitchers in the league," Murphy said. The Brewers manager argued that Rasmussen pitches well at home and that the short rest should not affect the outcome. Rasmussen has experience with short rest, serving as an opener in 2024 and making brief starts on two days of rest following relief appearances.

The Brewers will counter with Jacob Misiorowski, who will start on four days of rest. Milwaukee took a 3-1 series lead Tuesday after losing a 12th-inning advantage in a 4-3 defeat. The Rays used seven pitchers in that game, including starter Griffin Jax and relievers Kevin Kelly, Nick Martinez, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells, Cam Booser, and Ian Seymour.

Junior Caminero will bat third for Tampa Bay on Wednesday. The third baseman left Tuesday’s game in the 12th inning with a foot injury. He limped while favoring his left foot after reaching base on an error and advancing to third base on a single by Liam Hicks. Cash said Caminero has been dealing with lower-extremity issues but expects him to be ready to play.

Rasmussen’s appearance Wednesday night will determine if the Rays can close the gap in the series. The game is scheduled for Wednesday evening in St. Petersburg.