Rasmussen to Start Rays’ Elimination Game on Short Rest

Rasmussen will take the mound for Tampa Bay after the Rays’ 4-3 win in 12 innings on October 27 kept them from being swept. Milwaukee leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can clinch the championship with a win in Game 5. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

The 31-year-old right-hander last pitched in Game 2 on October 24, when he surrendered three runs while giving up six hits and issuing two walks over 3 2/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches in that 5-4 Milwaukee victory. Rasmussen was 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA during the regular season and has had three major elbow operations, including two Tommy John surgeries.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Rasmussen was fully on board with pitching on short rest. Nick Martinez, who was used in relief during Game 4 after starting the series opener, is available out of the bullpen. Cash did not disclose whether Rasmussen would have a pitch limit.

Milwaukee will start Jacob Misiorowski on regular four days’ rest. He allowed one run in the Brewers’ Game 1 win. The Rays used seven pitchers in the 12-inning Game 4, making the starters’ ability to work deep into Game 5 a potential factor.