Full Breakdown
Rays Turn to Drew Rasmussen on Short Rest for Game 5 vs. Brewers
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In this breakdown
01
Core Event: Rasmussen Starts Game 5 on Three-Day Rest
On Wednesday night, October 28, 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays will start right-hander Drew Rasmussen on three days’ rest in Game 5 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The move comes as the Rays face elimination, trailing the best-of-seven series 3-1. Rasmussen previously threw 89 pitches over 3 2/3 innings in Game 2, a 5-4 loss that gave Milwaukee a 2-0 series lead.
02
Background & Context
The series has featured tight pitching usage. After a 12-inning win in Game 4, the Rays employed seven pitchers to preserve the season. The Brewers’ ace Jacob Misiorowski is slated to start for Milwaukee; he has not pitched beyond five innings in this postseason. The Rays have never rallied from a 0-3 deficit in a World Series, a feat achieved only once in MLB postseason history (Boston’s 2004 ALCS comeback).
Rasmussen’s career includes three major elbow surgeries—Tommy John procedures in 2016 and 2017 and an internal-brace surgery in 2023. He was a two-time All-Star and posted a 16-5 record with a 2.67 ERA in 30 regular-season starts.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Regular season (2026): 16-5, 2.67 ERA, 30 starts.
- Postseason to date: 2-0, 2.19 ERA over 24 2/3 innings (four starts).
- Game 2 performance: 3 2/3 innings, 89 pitches, three runs on six hits and two walks.
- Series standing: Brewers lead 3-1; Games 6 and 7 scheduled in Milwaukee if necessary.
04
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans gathered in downtown St. Petersburg, with a viewing area featuring large screens and a stage. Local student Nolan McMillan described his excitement for Game 5, saying the team “needs better hitting and pitching.” Outfielder Chandler Simpson highlighted the need to stick to the team’s approach at the plate.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “Knowing Ras the way we know Ras and the type of warrior he is — he’s one of the best pitchers in the league,” — Pat Murphy, Milwaukee manager.
- “I feel like last time we had some good at-bats against them,” — Chandler Simpson, Rays outfielder.
- “I’d be really excited for the opportunity,” — Drew Rasmussen, Rays pitcher.
- “I was like excited and fun. We got a Game 5,” — Nolan McMillan, Sarasota Freedom Elementary student.
06
What’s Next
If the Rays win Game 5, the series returns to Milwaukee for Game 6, with a potential Game 7 later that week. Both clubs will rely heavily on their starting pitchers, as bullpen fatigue was a factor in the previous two games.