The most pressing question for the Rays is the availability and performance of their primary power hitter, identified in the report as Caminero, a 23-year-old outfielder. The player exited Tuesday’s game in the 12th inning due to a left foot injury sustained shortly after reaching base on a throwing error by Joey Ortiz. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed the player will play in Game 5, stating, “He’ll play tomorrow on one leg. I’ll make sure of it.” The Rays will need significant offensive production from him, as he has posted a .717 OPS in the postseason with only one home run in 48 at-bats, a stark contrast to his regular season pace of one home run every 14.7 at-bats and 42 total home runs.
Rays manager Kevin Cash faces complex pitching decisions after using seven pitchers in Tuesday’s elimination game. Griffin Jax, who threw 74 pitches in the start, is presumed unavailable. Nick Martinez, originally slated to start Game 5, worked two scoreless innings in relief and threw 33 pitches, compounding the workload concerns. Relievers Cole Sulser, Steven Matz, and Garrett Cleavinger did not pitch on Tuesday and remain available. Bryan Baker and Kevin Kelly are also likely available as they did not pitch in Monday’s Game 3. Ian Seymour, who threw 32 pitches on Tuesday, may be ruled out, while Tyler Wells and Cameron Booser have already pitched on consecutive days. The only potential starter is Drew Rasmussen, who started Game 2 and is on three days of rest, though he has never made a short-rest start in his career.
For the Brewers, the situation is clearer with Jacob Misiorowski, the 24-year-old National League Cy Young favorite, scheduled to start. Misiorowski will make his fourth start of the playoffs. In Game 1, he pitched five innings, allowing one run to secure the win, though he was on 11 days of rest at the time. For Game 5, he will be on the standard four days of rest. The Brewers’ bullpen was taxed in Game 4, creating a need for length from Misiorowski, but his recent velocity increase and career-high workload in the 2026 season raise questions about his durability. The series continues Wednesday, with the Rays needing a win to extend their season.
