Kevin Cash names Nick Martinez for Game 1, slots Drew Rasmussen into Game 2

The rotation order buys Rasmussen an extra day of rest.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Kevin Cash explains the decision to give Nick Martinez the ball in Game 1, allowing an extra day of rest for Drew Rasmus Via @MLBNetwork on X

What happened: Kevin Cash confirmed Nick Martinez will take the mound in World Series Game 1 on Friday night, with Drew Rasmussen scheduled to follow in Game 2.

Why it matters: Opening the series with Martinez, a 2026 AL All-Star who credited an aggressive approach for his strong season, builds an extra day of recovery into Rasmussen's preparation before Game 2. The alignment keeps both starters on preferred rest at the outset of the championship series.

What to watch: Martinez starts Game 1 on Friday night before handing the rotation over to Rasmussen for Game 2.

Sources

@MLBNetwork 2026-10-22T20:44:12.145998+00:00

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