TAMPA, Fla. – When Drew Rasmussen strolled off the mound after retiring the Pirates in order in the top of fifth last March 31 at Steinbrenner Field, it marked the first time since May 11, 2023 the righthander went more than two innings and threw as many as 40 pitches. The fact he blanked the Buccos over those five innings was the cherry on top. It was also a sign of things to come.
After working out of the bullpen late in the 2024 season upon returning from a third elbow procedure, he stretched out last season, though still somewhat restricted, in logging 150 innings. The now-30-year-old ‘Ras’ went 10-5 with a 2.76 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Both figures would have been fourth in the American League had he qualified (162 innings) for league leadership.
For the record, Rasmussen’s ERA since joining the Rays after being acquired from Milwaukee during the 2021 season is 2.72 and WHIP is identical to last season’s 1.02. How’s that for consistency?
All of the above adds up to why Rasmussen was tabbed as the Rays’ Opening Day starter on the afternoon of March 26 in St. Louis.
“I’m really honored,” he told reporters at the Rays’ training facility in Port Charlotte on Thursday. “It’s really cool to get the opportunity to pitch on Opening Day. It truly is a blessing and it is humbling.”
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