The Tampa Bay Rays have confirmed that ace Drew Rasmussen will take the mound in Game 5 of the 2026 World Series, a decisive matchup with the team’s season hanging in the balance. Announced hours before first pitch, the decision signals a strategic pivot to stabilize the rotation after a shaky start to the postseason. With the series tied at 2-2 following a crucial Game 4 victory, Rasmussen’s performance will determine whether Tampa Bay can complete the comeback against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Tampa Bay turns to its top arm to erase a 2-0 deficit against Milwaukee
Rasmussen’s last appearance came in Game 2, where he struggled for 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs. Despite the offensive output from the Brewers, the Rays managed to dismantle starter Logan Henderson, giving Rasmussen a one-run lead at the time of his exit. However, the bullpen faltered in the late innings, squandering the advantage and handing Milwaukee a 2-0 series lead. That loss has now been erased, but the pressure on Rasmussen remains high as he seeks to avoid repeating the early struggles that defined his previous outing.
The stakes could not be higher for the Rays, who must win two consecutive games to claim the 2026 World Series title. By deploying their ace in Game 5, Tampa Bay is betting on Rasmussen’s ability to dominate the Brewers’ lineup and provide the foundation for a bullpen that has been inconsistent throughout the series. Success in this game would not only keep the Rays alive but also shift momentum decisively in their favor, setting the stage for a potential Game 6 clincher.
Source: Yahoo Sports
