Rays Start Peralta in Game 3 at Tropicana Field Against Brewers

The Tampa Bay Rays named Freddy Peralta the starting pitcher for Game 3 of the World Series on Monday, October 26. The right-handed pitcher faces the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, and FOX One.

The Rays dropped the first two games of this series by a combined two runs. They now trail the Brewers 2-0 in the best-of-seven matchup. Junior Caminero, the Rays third baseman, said the team must avoid giving up outs. He noted that Milwaukee uses mistakes to extend innings and score. The Rays built a 4-0 lead in Game 2 before Milwaukee rallied for a 5-4 win.

Peralta enters this start with strong recent numbers. He is 7-0 with a 0.89 ERA over his last 10 appearances. Since August 26, he has pitched in nine starts. In this postseason, Peralta is 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA. He has allowed two runs over 16 two-thirds innings. Since joining Tampa Bay at the trade deadline, he holds a 1.45 ERA in seven home starts. The Rays gave him extra rest after the ALCS.

Pitching coach Kyle Snyder helped Peralta adjust his mechanics. The pitcher moved to the third-base side of the mound. He abandoned his windup and raised his release point. Peralta also increased his use of the changeup and attacked the top of the strike zone more often with his fastball. These changes aim to keep Milwaukee hitters from sitting on any one pitch.

The Brewers counter with left-hander Robert Gasser. Gasser has allowed one run in nine innings over two postseason starts. Since August 26, he is 2-0 with a 1.51 ERA. He began the season at Triple-A Nashville before earning a spot in the postseason. His presence forces Rays manager Kevin Cash to consider right-handed platoon options in the lineup.

Milwaukee’s bullpen has a 1.24 ERA through its first 10 postseason games. Aaron Ashby has not allowed a run in 15 two-thirds playoff innings. Closer Trevor Megill rested in Game 2 after Ashby recorded a five-out save. Abner Uribe remains another late-inning option for manager Pat Murphy.

MLB.com projects the Rays lineup to include Yandy Diaz as the designated hitter. Jonathan Aranda plays first base, Ryan Vilade plays right field, and Junior Caminero plays third base. Chandler Simpson starts in left field, Jonny DeLuca in center, and Ben Williamson at second base. Nick Fortes catches, and Taylor Walls plays shortstop.

The Brewers are projected to use the same lineup as in the first two games. Jackson Chourio starts in left field, Jake Bauers at first base, and Christian Yelich as the designated hitter. William Contreras catches, Brice Turang plays second base, and Garrett Mitchell plays center field. Cooper Pratt plays shortstop, Sal Frelick plays right field, and David Hamilton plays third base. Monday marks the first World Series game at Tropicana Field since October 23, 2008.