Cash Benches Rays' Hottest Hitter for World Series Game 1

Rays manager Kevin Cash benched postseason standout Richie Palacios for tonight's World Series Game 1 at Milwaukee, starting Ben Williamson at second base against Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski.

Cash Benches Rays' Hottest Hitter for World Series Game 1

In a bold call hours before first pitch, Rays manager Kevin Cash has benched Richie Palacios — his hottest hitter this postseason — for World Series Game 1 at American Family Field on Friday night.

Palacios, the left-handed second baseman who has been a near-everyday starter since August and is hitting .364 in October, makes way for right-handed Ben Williamson against Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski. Williamson is 1-for-8 this postseason and 0-for-3 in his career against Misiorowski.

The lineup also features Yandy Díaz leading off — batting .308 this month with two home runs, including a two-run shot off Misiorowski in Milwaukee on April 1. AL stolen-base leader Chandler Simpson (46 steals) bats third behind Jonathan Aranda, with 42-homer man Junior Caminero (0-for-3, 2 Ks vs Misiorowski) in the cleanup spot. Liam Hicks gets the start at catcher over Nick Fortes.

First pitch is set for 8:08 PM ET, with Misiorowski facing Nick Martinez in a Game 1 clash of power against craft.