Nick Martinez gets World Series Game 1 start for Rays: Why Tampa Bay went with unexpected starter

In Game 1 of the 2026 World Series on Friday night, the Tampa Bay Rays will counter Milwaukee Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski with a surprise choice: veteran right-hander Nick Martinez. Rays manager Kevin Cash announced the decision on Thursday.

"When Nick pitches, we win," Cash said.

The 36-year-old Martinez is coming off a strong regular season for the American League champs:

For those efforts, which were good for a WAR of 3.9, Martinez earned his first career All-Star selection.

"It's exciting," Martinez said on Thursday. "I think as a team, as a staff, we're confident in whoever we call up for the mound. It fell on me, and my job is just to rack up as many outs as we can and keep us in this ballgame."

While Martinez is certainly a worthy choice to start Game 1, the decision was largely unexpected. Ace Drew Rasmussen had been available to start Game 1 on full rest, but going with Martinez affords Rasmussen an extra day of rest, which could be welcome given his career-high workload this season.

Rasmussen instead is likely to go in Game 2. That means ALCS MVP and key deadline acquisition Freddy Peralta would start Game 3…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/