The Tampa Bay Rays heroically stored their season alive on Tuesday night time. They gave up a run to path within the high of the twelfth to the Milwaukee Brewers, however the Rays scored two within the backside of the twelfth to walk-off and preserve the World Collection going.
They head into Recreation 5 on Wednesday night time with that degree of momentum, though they nonetheless path within the best-of-seven sequence 3-1. The Rays will nonetheless should win three extra video games in a row to say the title and stun the Brewers.
However staying alive is staying alive — you’ll be able to’t play a Recreation 5 in case you don’t win Recreation 4 down 3-0, and the identical begins to be true for Video games 6 and seven. The Rays merely should preserve profitable. They haven’t any different alternative.
With that in thoughts, they aren’t holding again on their lineup selections. They’ve made a pair fascinating ones for Recreation 5.
The primary has to do with Victor Mesa Jr., who’s on the bench. The second has to do with right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez.
Why Isn’t Victor Mesa Jr. Taking part in?
For the second consecutive sport, the Rays are placing Mesa on the bench in opposition to a right-handed beginning pitcher.
Earlier within the postseason, Mesa acquired the begins in opposition to righties, and Ryan Vilade acquired begins in opposition to lefties.
Now, Vilade has began in opposition to a right-hander in two video games in a row — first in opposition to Dustin Might, after which in opposition to Jacob Misiorowski on Wednesday.
Mesa is a good defender however hasn’t actually discovered any of his pop within the postseason. The Rays look like making a play towards having essentially the most run-scoring potential potential within the lineup with Vilade, it doesn’t matter what it means to their protection in proper area.
The Rays even have Ben Williamson at second base over Richie Palacios, not worrying in regards to the platoon benefit at that spot both in Recreation 5.
#Rays lineup vs. #Brewers, Misiorowski, with Vilade and Williamson: https://t.co/mcefAByCJs
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 28, 2026
Can Nick Martinez Pitch Tonight?
The Rays are beginning Drew Rasmussen in Recreation 5 of the World Collection, however that doesn’t imply one other beginning pitcher couldn’t take the mound, too.
Rays supervisor Kevin Money instructed reporters that Nick Martinez may pitch in reduction in Recreation 5.
#Rays Money stated Martinez can be out there to pitch tonight, and that Caminero’s foot is okay
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 28, 2026
Martinez has a profitable previous as an extended reliever, so he’d be extra snug than most starters in being utilized in a reduction position.
The Rays would like to see Rasmussen pitch a lot of the sport and dominate, but when he begins to battle, don’t be stunned to see Martinez up within the bullpen.
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