The Rays love a plot twist. Should we expect one with their Game 1 starter?

The New York Times argues that the Tampa Bay Rays should deviate from expectations by starting veteran pitcher Nick Martinez in Game 1 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. While Drew Rasmussen is considered the conventional pick after starting openers in previous rounds, the writer contends pushing Rasmussen to Game 2 would allow him an advantageous five days of rest following a demanding, career-high workload of 193 innings.

The article also suggests this rotation strategy would align ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta to pitch Game 3 at Tropicana Field, where he holds a 1.45 ERA since joining Tampa Bay, rather than facing his former Milwaukee team on the road. The piece highlights Martinez's 2.43 road ERA and postseason poise, noting that manager Kevin Cash relied heavily on starters to overcome a thinner bullpen throughout October.