World Series 2026 in Malaysia time: Rays pick Nick Martinez over Rasmussen for Game 1 against Misiorowski

The 2026 World Series begins in Milwaukee on Friday night US time, which is Saturday morning in Malaysia. The Tampa Bay Rays have chosen veteran Nick Martinez to start Game 1 instead of their ace Drew Rasmussen, while the Milwaukee Brewers will start hard-throwing right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. Whoever wins, a new name goes on the trophy: neither franchise has ever won the World Series.

Why the Rays went with Martinez

Rays manager Kevin Cash announced the decision on Thursday. Rasmussen started Game 5 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, and could have pitched on regular rest. Cash instead gave him an extra day because of how much he has pitched this October, telling reporters the team has relied on him heavily, per ESPN.

Martinez, 36, has earned the chance. He has pitched at least six innings in every playoff start, allowing three runs in 21 innings, and gave up one run in 5 1/3 innings in ALCS Game 4. In the regular season he went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA over a career-high 180 innings and was picked for his first All-Star Game. Before this year he had never started a postseason game.

Sports Illustrated reports that Rasmussen is expected to start Game 2, Freddy Peralta Game 3 and Griffin Jax Game 4.

Misiorowski leads a rested Brewers staff

Milwaukee turn to Misiorowski, described by Sports Illustrated as the favourite for the National League Cy Young Award. He reached 104.8mph with his first pitch of the NLCS and has started Game 1 in each of the Brewers' last two series. Logan Henderson is expected to start Game 2 and Robert Gasser Game 3.

The Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, so their pitchers have had a long break. That rest could help them, but it could also leave them rusty after nearly two weeks between starts.

Two long waits

Milwaukee finished 103-59, the better record of the two teams, which gives them home advantage: Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 are at American Family Field. Tampa Bay (98-64) host Games 3, 4 and 5. The Brewers took two of three meetings between the clubs during the regular season, according to MLB.com.

This is only the Brewers' second World Series and their first since 1982, when they lost to St Louis in seven games. The Rays are making their third appearance after losing in 2008 and 2020.

World Series 2026 schedule in Malaysia time

All games start at 8pm US Eastern time (first pitch for Game 1 is 8.08pm), which is 8am the next day in Malaysia:

• Game 1: Saturday 24 October, 8.08am (Milwaukee)
• Game 2: Sunday 25 October, 8am (Milwaukee)
• Game 3: Tuesday 27 October, 8am (Tampa Bay)
• Game 4: Wednesday 28 October, 8am (Tampa Bay)
• Game 5*: Thursday 29 October, 8am (Tampa Bay)
• Game 6*: Saturday 31 October, 8am (Milwaukee)
• Game 7*: Sunday 1 November, 8am (Milwaukee)

*If necessary. In the United States, every game is on FOX.

Key takeaways

• Game 1 starts at 8.08am Malaysia time on Saturday, 24 October, in Milwaukee.
• The Rays start Nick Martinez and hold Drew Rasmussen back for Game 2.
• The Brewers start Jacob Misiorowski after sweeping the Dodgers in the NLCS.
• Milwaukee have home advantage after a 103-59 regular season.
• Neither team has won a World Series before.

FAQ

What time does World Series Game 1 start in Malaysia? First pitch is at 8.08am on Saturday, 24 October, Malaysia time.

Why isn't Drew Rasmussen starting Game 1? Kevin Cash gave him an extra day of rest after a heavy postseason workload. He is expected to start Game 2.

Have the Rays or Brewers won the World Series before? No. Both teams are still looking for their first title.

Sources: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, MLB.com