Rasmussen returns on short rest to anchor Tampa Bay in Game 5
The Rays ace pitched four innings against the Brewers, allowing one run and striking out four while the team trails by two runs.
By Amina Kaminski ·
Drew Rasmussen took the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night, starting World Series Game 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers on three days of rest. The 31-year-old right-hander left the game with a 1-0 deficit after completing four innings of work.
Rasmussen retired the first four batters he faced. Brice Turang then reached on a double to left-center after hitting a flat cutter. Sal Frelick followed by being hit by a pitch. Rookie Cooper Pratt drove a low cutter over second baseman Ben Williamson and into center field, scoring a run for Milwaukee.
The starter allowed only those two hits during his appearance. He recorded four strikeouts and issued no walks in an outing that required 48 pitches. Kevin Kelly entered the game to start the fifth inning and surrendered another run, extending Milwaukee's lead to 2-0.
Rasmussen threw 89 pitches over 3.7 innings in Game 2 on Saturday. That game ended in a 5-4 loss for Tampa Bay, giving the Brewers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Rasmussen received a no-decision in that contest.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said he contacted Rasmussen immediately after he left the ballpark following the previous game. Cash noted that Rasmussen was fully willing to pitch again. Cash added that the pitcher held out from throwing in a bullpen session the day before to prepare for the possibility of starting. Cash stated that Rasmussen was motivated to return and was not satisfied with the outcome of Game 2.
Rasmussen has undergone three major elbow operations in his career. These include Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and 2017, as well as an internal brace procedure in 2023. He finished the regular season with a 16-5 record and a 2.67 earned average. In 15 home starts, he posted a 9-3 record.
Junior Caminero, the Rays third baseman, started the game batting third. He had left Tuesday night's game in the 12th inning after limping on a left foot injury. Cash said the team has several players dealing with minor injuries but expects Caminero to be ready to play.
