MILWAUKEE — Tampa Bay kept its World Series roster nearly untouched after moving past Cleveland in six games, with one veteran left-hander returning to the room as the Rays prepare for the franchise’s third Fall Classic appearance. Garrett Cleavinger replaced rookie right-hander Brody Hopkins on the 26-man club announced Friday, hours before Game 1 at American Family Field.
The choice gives manager Kevin Cash another left-handed bullpen option against a Milwaukee lineup that can lean left-handed. Cleavinger ended the regular season on the injured list with arm fatigue, made the Rays’ Division Series roster without appearing against the Yankees, then gave way to Hopkins for the AL Championship Series. Hopkins also did not get into a game against the Guardians.
Cash indicated that Cleavinger will not be thrown immediately into the highest-leverage work after his extended gap between game appearances. The Rays want to ease him back in, but they believe the veteran can become an important piece as the series settles in.
“He was throwing well before the ALCS, and we decided not to push the situation,” Cash said. “He has kept his arm ready, faced hitters during the Championship Series and worked on the off days. With Milwaukee’s left-handed possibilities, he can be a real help for us.”
Tampa Bay will carry 12 pitchers and 14 position players. Nick Martinez, Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta are the club’s established starting options, while the rest of the pitching staff will be available from the bullpen in the Game 1 setup. The staff also includes Griffin Jax, Ian Seymour, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells, Kevin Kelly, Cam Booser, Cole Sulser and Steven Matz alongside Cleavinger.
The Rays’ World Series group
Liam Hicks and Nick Fortes will handle the catching duties. The infield group is Jonathan Aranda, Richie Palacios, Taylor Walls, Junior Caminero, Ben Williamson and Jorge Mateo, with Yandy Díaz occupying the designated-hitter spot.
In the outfield, Tampa Bay brings Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca and Ryan Vilade. There were no other late surprises after the American League champions completed their series win over Cleveland.
Game 2 is scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on FOX, FOX Deportes and FOX One.
