Cuban-American pitcher Nick Martínez has been selected by the Tampa Bay Rays to start Game 1 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The decision comes as something of a surprise, with ace Drew Rasmussen available, but Tampa Bay will give him an extra day of rest before starting him in Game 2.
The Fall Classic begins tonight at 8:00 p.m. at American Family Field in Milwaukee. The Rays reached this stage by defeating the Cleveland Guardians in six games in the American League Championship Series. Milwaukee, meanwhile, swept the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
The pitching matchup promises to be the main attraction. The Brewers will send their ace, Jacob Misiorowski, to the mound. The favorite for the National League Cy Young Award delivered an exceptional regular season, recording 16 wins with a 1.80 ERA. His biggest weapon remains his overpowering fastball, which has topped out at 104.8 mph.
Rays put their trust in Martínez’s experience
With Rasmussen getting an additional day of rest, Tampa Bay will turn to the experienced Martínez. The 36-year-old right-hander was one of the American League’s most effective starters during the regular season, finishing 15–6 with a 3.10 ERA and 109 strikeouts over 180 innings. This postseason, he has earned one victory across nine innings.
The Brewers enter tonight’s opener as the favorites, benefiting from a longer layoff than the Rays, whose last game against Cleveland was three days ago. With Milwaukee well rested and its ace on the mound, a low-scoring contest is expected.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, will count on Martínez’s experience and timely hitting to take an early lead in the series.