Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash is facing scrutiny for his in-game decisions during Game 5 of the World Series, which ultimately saw the Rays lose to the Milwaukee Brewers. A key point of contention was the early removal of ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen.
Rasmussen was pulled after only four strong innings, having thrown 48 pitches. Cash stated postgame that the decision was "the easiest call in the world" based on a pre-game plan to limit Rasmussen to 60 pitches or four innings. However, this decision quickly proved costly.
The decision backfired when relief pitcher Kevin Kelly took over in the fifth inning, allowing the Brewers to load the bases and extend their lead to 2-0. The deficit grew to 4-0 in the sixth inning as Garrett Cleavinger surrendered additional runs, sealing the Rays' fate in the 4-1 series-deciding loss.
Further examination of Cash's strategy reveals a potential misstep earlier in the series. Rasmussen, the team's top pitcher, had normal rest for Game 1, but Cash opted to start Nick Martinez instead, prioritizing an extra day of rest for Rasmussen. "We prioritized Drew getting an extra day. He’s had a pretty thick workload here," Cash had explained prior to the series, emphasizing the team's reliance on Rasmussen and their goal to maximize his pitch count when he pitches.
By pushing Rasmussen back a day for Game 1, the manager inadvertently placed him on shorter rest for the pivotal Game 5. This move was particularly sensitive given Rasmussen's history of two Tommy John surgeries and an internal brace procedure on his right arm in 2023. The Rays organization had been notably cautious in protecting his arm throughout the season.
Adding to the Rays' struggles, their offense also faltered, scoring only one run with their season on the line and a mere six runs in the final 38 innings of the series. This offensive drought contributed significantly to their World Series defeat.