World Series Game 1 Preview: Brewers vs. Rays Odds

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Brewers’ Late-Inning Edge Shapes World Series Game 1 and MVP Discussion

No starters have been announced for Friday’s World Series game, but the -160 to -165 price suggests a likely matchup between Rasmussen and Misiorowski. The concern with Misiorowski is his limited workload. He has provided roughly four to four-and-a-half innings per postseason start, and fatigue could become a factor at this point in the season.

If Misiorowski only lasts three or four innings, Milwaukee will have to turn to a bullpen that has already worked frequently. That makes the ability of each starter to pitch deep into the game especially important.

The Rays do not typically score many runs, and much of their power comes from Junior Caminero. The righty-righty matchup could favor Misiorowski, although Caminero can change a game when he is at his best. Even so, Milwaukee appears to have the advantage in Game 1.

A quiet start from the Brewers’ offense could create problems, but Milwaukee has been comfortable playing from behind all season. Even if the Brewers trail 1-0 in the sixth inning, they remain dangerous. Tampa Bay may need a multi-run lead entering the late innings because Milwaukee has consistently delivered late and can shut teams down with its bullpen.

The series could feature fewer home runs than Milwaukee produced against Los Angeles. Three of those four games went over the total, but that offensive output appeared unusual. Rasmussen has pitched too well to expect another big scoring performance, making a low-scoring, tight game decided by the bullpens a likely scenario Friday.

Tampa Bay’s bullpen is also strong, but Milwaukee has repeatedly found late-game production from players such as Garrett Mitchell and Jake Bauers. Even difficult platoon matchups have not stopped the Brewers from producing key home runs, giving them the feel of a team of destiny.

In the World Series MVP market, a pitcher would likely need a seven-game series or an additional start in Game 6 to win. Rasmussen or Freddy Peralta could fit that path, but Milwaukee is unlikely to overextend Misiorowski.

Among position players, William Contreras stands out for Milwaukee because so much of the team’s offense revolves around him. Bauers offers a compelling story, but his platoon splits make him a more difficult choice.

Tampa Bay’s MVP race appears more open. Caminero is the team’s most impactful player on paper, but his postseason production has largely been limited to a few big hits. Yandy Díaz has been more consistent, repeatedly reaching base, collecting singles and doubles, and driving in runs. That makes Díaz an appealing long-shot selection for Tampa Bay.