For both franchises, the stakes are historic. Neither has ever won a World Series championship. Milwaukee is making its first appearance since 1982, while Tampa Bay returns for the first time since 2020.
GAME 1 PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
Milwaukee is expected to start right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, one of baseball's most dominant pitchers this season. Misiorowski led Major League Baseball with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts during the regular season. His fastball has exceeded 104 mph this postseason, making him a formidable challenge for Tampa Bay's lineup.
The Rays are projected to counter with right-hander Drew Rasmussen, who has been outstanding throughout October. Rasmussen enters the World Series with a 2-0 postseason record and a 1.29 ERA across 21 innings, recording 23 strikeouts.
The matchup would feature two contrasting pitching styles: Misiorowski's overpowering velocity against Rasmussen's precision and ability to generate weak contact.
Both pitchers are listed as probable starters, although final team announcements remain subject to change.
COMPLETE 2026 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Friday, October 23 — at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. ET
Game 2: Saturday, October 24 — at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. ET
Game 3: Monday, October 26 — at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Tuesday, October 27 — at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET
Game 5: Wednesday, October 28 — at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
Game 6: Friday, October 30 — at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
Game 7: Saturday, October 31 — at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
All games will be televised nationally on FOX, with Spanish-language coverage on FOX Deportes.
Milwaukee holds home-field advantage after finishing with an MLB-best 103 regular-season victories. Tampa Bay won 98 games to lead the American League.
With two championship-hungry franchises and an intriguing pitching matchup to open the series, the 2026 Fall Classic promises an unforgettable conclusion to baseball's season.