Rays making calculated gamble in delaying ace to begin World Series

By Field Level Media Oct 23 (Field Level Media) MILWAUKEE Drew Rasmussen has been the epitome of an ace for the Tampa Bay Rays this postseason. In three playoff starts, the right-hander is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA, allowing three runs over 21 innings, striking out 23 and walking three. After he last pitched in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, a 3-1 ​Rays win on Oct. 18, he could have started Game 1 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday ‌night on normal rest. Tampa, though, is electing to get him an extra day of rest and throw off, instead giving the ball to veteran right-hander Nick Martinez for the opener of the best-of-seven series. We prioritized Drew getting an extra day. He s had a pretty thick workload here, Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday during media day in defense of the decision. We ve relied on him heavily. We know when he takes the ball, we re trying to get the full pitch allotment out of him. When Nick pitches, ‌we win. ​So