Table of Content
The Tampa Bay Rays kept their season alive with a dramatic 12th-inning, 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the World Series. That win trimmed the Brewers’ series lead to 3-1 and set up a crucial Game 5.
The Rays’ pitching strategy
Manager Kevin Cash used seven pitchers in the Game 4 must-win contest, leaving the bullpen heavily taxed for Game 5. Game 2 starter Drew Rasmussen is scheduled to pitch on short rest for the upcoming elimination matchup. Rasmussen previously served primarily as an opener during short-rest outings back in 2022, marking a unique challenge for the right-hander. Across four starts in the 2026 postseason, Rasmussen has posted a 2.19 ERA with 27 strikeouts over 24 ⅔ innings.
In Game 4, Cash deployed Nick Martinez—originally slated to pitch Game 5—for two scoreless relief innings on 33 pitches. Starting pitcher Griffin Jax threw 74 pitches, which likely eliminates him from Wednesday’s contest. Meanwhile, relievers Cole Sulser, Steven Matz, and Garrett Cleavinger did not pitch in Game 4 and should be available. Bryan Baker and Kevin Kelly are also rested after skipping Monday’s Game 3, while Tyler Wells and Cameron Booser could be called upon despite working two consecutive days.
Jacob Misiorowski’s condition for the Brewers
Unlike their opponents, the Milwaukee Brewers enjoy stability regarding their starting rotation for Game 5. National League Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski will take the mound for his fourth start of the playoffs. The 24-year-old right-hander previously pitched five innings and allowed only one run to earn a win against the Rays in Game 1.
Misiorowski benefited from 11 days of rest ahead of his Game 1 appearance, whereas he returns on the standard four days of rest for Game 5. As he navigates a career-high workload in 2026, questions remain regarding whether his elite velocity will replicate the series opener. Length from their starter would benefit the Brewers after their bullpen shouldered a heavy burden in Game 4.
Junior Caminero’s fitness and power
Tampa Bay star hitter Junior Caminero departed Game 4 in the 12th inning due to a left foot injury following a throwing error by Joey Ortiz. Despite the late exit, manager Kevin Cash confirmed the infielder is cleared to play. “Junior, he’s fine and obviously in the lineup today. Really impressive that he went first and third right there, very instinctual play,” Cash stated, adding that Caminero has managed lower extremity injuries recently.
Caminero enters Game 5 with a .717 OPS this postseason but has hit just one home run across 48 at-bats. That output contrasts with his regular-season performance, where he slugged 42 home runs at a rate of one every 14.7 at-bats. The Rays may require more of that regular-season power from the 23-year-old to push the series back to Milwaukee.
