Rays' Drew Rasmussen to start against Brewers in World Series Game 5

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After saving their season with a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series on Tuesday night, the Tampa Bay Rays have decided to start Drew Rasmussen in the fourth game on three days' rest. 

During his postgame meeting with the media, Rasmussen sounded like a guy who wanted the ball. 

"I’m probably smoking hot, would be my guess," he said. "We haven’t talked yet. I feel great. I’m sure they are going to kick around some ideas for a little bit; I assume I’m in there."

It’s rare for Rasmussen, 31, to pitch on short rest. The last time it happened was on June 30, 2021, in a 15-6 loss to the Washington Nationals. Rasmussen was an opener back then, pitching two innings and allowing two runs on two hits.   

Rays were on board with Drew Rasmussen

Rays manager Kevin Cash said pitching coach Kyle Snyder approached Rasmussen before Tuesday’s game about getting the ball.

“Ras was supportive of it,” Cash said. “(After) the celebration, (we) sat down and talked to our group and then called Ras right after he'd left the ballpark, and he was 100 percent on board wanting the ball.”