Tampa Bay Rays prepare for World Series opener against Milwaukee Brewers

The Tampa Bay Rays are preparing to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 World Series, which begins Friday night in Milwaukee, the New York Post and FOX Sports reported. The Fall Classic brings together the two American and National League leaders, CBS Sports reported. The New York Post reported that Tampa Bay reliever Steven Matz said he relied on his faith during his journey back to the championship stage. [1][2][3][6]

The Rays enter the series as underdogs despite winning 98 regular season games and securing the American League East title, according to CBS Sports. CBS Sports and Fox News both reported that the Brewers possess the better overall record, higher run differential, and betting odds favoring them to win the title. [2][5]

Matz became religious around 2011 while recovering from a two-year Tommy John surgery, the New York Post reported. Matz was drafted by the New York Mets out of high school in 2009 and previously played for the Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox before joining Tampa Bay. He made his major league debut with the Mets in 2015. [1][12][14]

The upcoming championship series marks the third World Series appearance for the Rays as they pursue their first franchise title, according to CBS Sports. The annual Major League Baseball championship has taken place since 1903 as a best-of-seven playoff series. [2][13]