Sports · October 22, 2026
Surprising Brewers-Rays World Series matchup will open with Jacob Misiorowski's record heat
The 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers will open on Friday in Milwaukee. Rays manager Kevin Cash announced that 36-year-old veteran right-hander Nick Martinez will start Game 1, a surprising choice over staff ace Drew Rasmussen. Martinez, an All-Star who posted a 3.10 ERA in 180 regular-season innings, will face Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski. This matchup ensures a first-time World Series champion, as neither franchise has won a title previously.
Read the original coverage
- Washington TimesMainstream
Surprising Brewers-Rays World Series matchup will open with Jacob Misiorowski's record heat
Read at Washington Times ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Nick Martinez gets World Series Game 1 start for Rays: Why Tampa Bay went with unexpected starter
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - Yahoo SportsSports network
Rays Start Nick Martinez Over Ace Drew Rasmussen In World Series
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - ESPNSports network
Rays opt for Martinez to start World Series over ace Rasmussen
Read at ESPN ↗ - NewsweekMainstream
Rays Announce Game 1 Starter in Pursuit of 1st World Series
Read at Newsweek ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Rays make surprise World Series Game 1 starter decision
Read at New York Post ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- The Tampa Bay Rays will play the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 World Series.
- Nick Martinez will start Game 1 for the Rays.
- Jacob Misiorowski will start Game 1 for the Brewers.
- The game is scheduled for Friday night in Milwaukee.
- Martinez is 36 years old and earned his first career All-Star selection in 2026.
- Martinez finished the regular season with a 3.10 ERA over 180 innings.
- The 2026 World Series will produce a first-time champion.
Reported by only some outlets
- Drew Rasmussen is expected to start Game 2 for the Rays.
- Freddy Peralta is expected to start Game 3 for the Rays.
- Rasmussen posted a 2.67 ERA through 172 regular-season innings.
- The Rays ALCS lasted two games longer than the Brewers NLCS.
- Nick Martinez signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Rays in the offseason.
- Freddy Peralta was a trade deadline acquisition from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Confirmed
- Nick Martinez is starting Game 1 for the Rays.
- Jacob Misiorowski is starting Game 1 for the Brewers.
- The Brewers have home-field advantage (Game 1 is in Milwaukee).
- Both teams are seeking their first World Series title.
Reported
- Drew Rasmussen is likely to start Game 2. (CBS Sports)
- Freddy Peralta will likely start Game 3. (CBS Sports)
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