Rays Turn to Martinez with Sweep in Sight
The Tampa Bay Rays will hand the ball to veteran right-hander Nick Martinez on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, with a chance to complete a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Martinez, 35, enjoyed a career year in 2026, posting a 15-6 record with a 3.10 ERA and earning his first All-Star selection. He has been particularly dominant away from Tropicana Field, going 7-3 with a 2.38 ERA on the road while striking out 55 and walking just 13. That road prowess will be tested in the hostile environment of the Bronx, where the Yankees face elimination.
"I've been paying attention the last two games. I am fully aware of what's at stake," Martinez said. "It's going to be exciting. It's going to be an electric crowd. With their season on the line, it's going to be an absolute dogfight, just like my last 31 starts."
Road Warrior
Martinez's success away from home has been a key ingredient in Tampa Bay's success this season. His 2.38 road ERA ranks among the best in the American League, and he has shown the ability to thrive in pressure-packed environments. Earlier this season, he pitched at Yankee Stadium during the final week of the regular season, allowing two earned runs over six innings while striking out seven. If he can replicate that performance, the Rays will be in prime position to advance.
"I like pitching at home; I like pitching on the road. I like to feed off the energy," Martinez said. "If it's energy from me, that's great. I like having the support of the fans behind me. On the road, it's more hostile. Sometimes I am able to channel that into positive energy and use it."
Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed confidence in his starter. "I look at Nick, it doesn't matter where he takes the ball, that he is ready to compete as good as any pitcher that I've been around," Cash said. "You guys know as well how infectious he's been and the type of teammate he is. Our guys are pumped to be playing behind him."
Rotation Plan Pays Off
Tampa Bay's decision to line up its rotation for the ALDS has worked to perfection. Drew Rasmussen dominated in Game 1, tossing eight shutout innings, and Freddy Peralta followed with 4.2 innings of one-run ball in Game 2. The Rays won both games, seizing a 2-0 series lead and putting the Yankees on the brink.
Some questioned Cash's choice to hold Martinez until Game 3, but the move has set up the Rays' pitching perfectly. With Martinez on the mound, Tampa Bay also has a rested bullpen and the option of using Griffin Jax, who has yet to pitch in the series, in a multi-inning role if needed. The flexibility gives the Rays a significant advantage as they look to close out the series.
Martinez's Journey
Martinez's path to this moment has been anything but conventional. A former college student at Fordham University in New York, he once attended a Yankees game as a fan and was ejected after he and his friends "had too many adult beverages." Now, he has the chance to send the Yankees home for the winter.
"To pitch here should be a lot of fun," Martinez said. "It's what you dream of as a kid, to pitch in the playoffs at Yankee Stadium."
High Stakes at Yankee Stadium
The Yankees, meanwhile, are fighting for their season. After winning the AL East just two weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, the Rays are now back in the Bronx with a chance to eliminate their division rivals. The contrast in fortunes could hardly be starker.
For Tampa Bay, a win would propel them to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2021. For New York, a loss would mark a disappointing end to a season that began with World Series aspirations. The pressure will be squarely on the Yankees, who must find a way to solve Martinez and extend their season.
Martinez, for his part, is embracing the moment. "It's what you dream of as a kid, to pitch in the playoffs at Yankee Stadium," he said. With one win separating the Rays from the ALCS, Martinez has a chance to etch his name into Tampa Bay lore.
Broader Implications
A Rays victory would not only eliminate the Yankees but also signal a potential power shift in the AL East. Tampa Bay has built a reputation for developing pitching and making shrewd organizational decisions, and a deep playoff run would further cement that legacy. For Martinez, a strong performance could also boost his free-agent stock, as the veteran is set to hit the open market this winter.
As the baseball world turns its attention to the Bronx, all eyes will be on Nick Martinez. The Rays are one win away from the ALCS, and their All-Star right-hander is ready to deliver the final blow.
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