Nick Martinez Selected as World Series Game 1 Starter for Rays

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Nick Martinez will start Game 1 of the 2026 World Series against Milwaukee and ace Jacob Misiorowski. Manager Kevin Cash tapped Martinez to allow ace Drew Rasmussen extra rest. Martinez compiled a stellar All-Star campaign with a 3.10 ERA over 180 innings across 31 regular-season starts and allowed just three runs over nine postseason innings. He excelled on the road with a 2.43 ERA, looking to continue his breakout on the game's biggest stage.