The Tampa Bay Rays are one win away from the World Series, and at least one of their players is already making plans to celebrate. After the Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday at Progressive Field, Tampa Bay took a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series. The series now shifts back to Tropicana Field for Game 6 on Monday night, with a potential Game 7 on Tuesday. Rays designated hitter Yandy Díaz, who has been one of the biggest thorns in Cleveland’s side all series, did not hold back when asked about the chance to clinch.
“It all ends tomorrow. We’re gonna win tomorrow,” Díaz said.
#Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz on Drew Rasmussen’s outing after Game 5 victory over the #Guardians:
“I think he’s the best pitcher in the MLB.”And on the potential to reach the World Series on Monday:
“It all ends tomorrow. We're gonna win tomorrow.”— Ethan Sands (@EjElite1) October 19, 2026
Díaz also heaped praise on teammate Drew Rasmussen after the right-hander held Cleveland to one run over seven innings in Game 5, saying he believes Rasmussen is the best pitcher in baseball.
Those comments will surely catch the attention of Guardians fans, especially coming from a familiar face. Díaz began his big league career in Cleveland before he was traded to Tampa Bay in a three-team deal in December 2018. He has since developed into one of the most consistent hitters in the American League, winning a batting title in 2023 and posting a strong 2026 season with 22 home runs at age 35.
His praise for Rasmussen is easy to understand, too. Rasmussen is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA this postseason, and he has now held the Guardians to three runs over thirteen innings in this series. Including the regular season and playoffs, he is 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA and 30 strikeouts in four starts against Cleveland this year.
The Rays went 55-26 at Tropicana Field during the regular season. Cleveland did win Game 1 in Tampa Bay, though, and Gavin Williams is lined up to start a potential Game 7 on regular rest.
Game 6 is set for Monday at Tropicana Field. Díaz believes the series ends there. The Guardians will have one night to prove him wrong.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Makes A Surprising Pitching Decision For Game 6
