Kevin Cash Explains Why He Pulled Drew Rasmussen Early in Rays World Series Loss
· Yahoo Sports
The Tampa Bay Rays season came to an end Wednesday night following a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the World Series. And while Tampa Bay had several opportunities to extend its season, one of the biggest questions surrounded Kevin Cash's decision to remove Drew Rasmussen after just four innings.
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Rasmussen allowed one earned run across four innings, surrendering just two hits while striking out four Milwaukee batters.
However, despite throwing only 48 pitches, Cash decided to turn to his bullpen.
Following the contest, Cash explained that the decision had already been made before Rasmussen took the mound.
"We had gone into the game saying it was 60 pitches or four innings. Stuck to that. That was the easiest call in the world to take him out of the ball game," Cash said.
The Rays manager also emphasized the importance of protecting his pitchers, especially considering Rasmussen was pitching on short rest.
"We've worked very hard with all of our pitchers and pride ourselves on doing right by them. We knew this was a big ask."
Unfortunately, Tampa Bay's bullpen couldn't prevent Milwaukee from extending its lead, ultimately ending the Rays' hopes of winning their first World Series championship.
And while the decision will likely receive criticism, Cash made it clear that he appreciated Rasmussen's willingness to take the mound.
"He's a stud. That guy is a stud. His stuff was as sharp as it could have been."
However, the disappointment extended well beyond Wednesday's pitching decisions.
Cash admitted that losing the World Series was difficult, especially considering how much the players accomplished throughout the season.
"I'm crushed right now, disappointed, but it's easier to handle because of what we all meant to each other throughout the course of this season," Cash said.
Tampa Bay finished with 106 combined regular-season and postseason victories, the most in franchise history, while capturing the American League pennant.
And despite falling short of the championship, Cash emphasized the relationships developed throughout the year.
"It's as close-knit as a group as I've ever been around," Cash said.
He also credited Milwaukee's pitching for Tampa Bay's offensive struggles, describing the Brewers' bullpen as one of the best he has ever seen. In the five-game World Series, Tampa Bay's offense struggled considerably, scoring just 12 runs while batting .182 (30-for-165) with only eight extra-base hits and 40 strikeouts.
As for the future, Cash expressed excitement about the talent returning to Tampa Bay, including players who missed time because of injuries.
However, with uncertainty surrounding baseball's upcoming offseason, Cash offered one final comment when asked about what comes next.
"I hope I'm managing next year."