Drew Rasmussen Injury News & Updates

Rasmussen (elbow) will undergo an internal brace procedure and won't return until the middle of next season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays had previously hoped that Rasmussen would be able to return late in this season after he hit the 60-day injured list with a right flexor strain in mid-May, but that won't be the case. The righty will avoid undergoing Tommy John surgery for the third time in his career, but not by a very wide margin. The internal brace alternative is a similar surgery and carries a recovery time that's at best only somewhat shorter.

Rasmussen was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Rays on Friday with a right flexor strain, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rasmussen just tossed seven shutout innings against the Yankees on Thursday, but evidently he must have felt something in his elbow during and/or after the outing. It's a major blow to a rotation which has already lost Jeffrey Springs to Tommy John surgery and is still awaiting Tyler Glasnow's (oblique) season debut. Taj Bradley has struggled in his last few starts at Triple-A Durham but would still seem to be an obvious candidate to replace Rasmussen in the Tampa Bay rotation.

Rasmussen (4-2) earned the win against the Yankees Thursday, with seven shutout innings while allowing two hits. He struck out seven.

For the second time this month Rasmussen stifled the Yankees. He tossed 5.2 shutout innings on Saturday and has not allowed a run in 21 career innings against the Yankees. The righty has been excellent for the first-place Rays this season with a 2.62 ERA. For the first time in his career, he is striking out more than a batter per inning, with 47 punchouts in 44.2 innings.

Rasmussen allowed three runs on nine hits while striking out three over five innings against the White Sox on Sunday. He did not walk a batter nor did he factor into the decision.

The White Sox got to Rasmussen in the opening frame with a pair of singles and a sacrifice fly. He faced little resistance through the order until the sixth inning, during which he allowed a leadoff base hit before Yasmani Grandal sent one over the wall in center to put the Sox ahead 3-2. Rasmussen's day would conclude abruptly following the home run ball. It was just the second homer he's let up this year, but he's been knocked around quite a bit, allowing at least eight hits in three of his last four outings while failing to surpass five innings. The 27-year-old has been hit or miss in six starts this season and now owns a 3.66 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 34:9 K:BB over 32 innings. He's lined up to take the mound in a divisional clash with the Yankees next weekend.

Rasmussen (3-2) took the loss Tuesday, allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks over 4.2 innings against the Astros. He struck out five.

Rasmussen worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning and held Houston off the board over the first four frames. However, he'd stumble in the fifth, allowing five runs on six hits en route to a 5-0 loss. Rasmussen has held the opposition scoreless in three of his five outings this year, though he's allowed ten runs over his other two starts. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 3.33 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB through 27 innings this season.

Rasmussen (3-1) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing three hits and three walks over five scoreless innings in an 8-0 victory over the Reds. He struck out seven.

The right-hander got staked to a 6-0 lead before he set foot on the mound, but Rasmussen gave Cincy no glimmers of hope, firing 51 of 78 pitches for strikes before hitting the showers. The 27-year-old rebounded nicely from a shaky outing against the Blue Jays, and Rasmussen will take a 2.01 ERA and 26:7 K:BB through 22.2 innings into his next start, likely to come next week at home against the Astros.

Rasmussen (2-1) gave up five earned runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out four in 4.1 innings Friday in Toronto. He took the loss.

After dominating a couple rebuilding clubs (Oakland and Washington) in his first two starts, Rasmussen faced a much tougher challenge against a strong Jays lineup in a hitter-friendly park and it showed in the box score. Rasmussen should still provide plenty of fantasy value over the rest of the season, but this outing showed that he's not a must-start regardless of the matchup and ballpark.

Rasmussen (2-0) earned the win Sunday, allowing one hit and no walks over seven scoreless innings against the Athletics. He struck out eight.

Rasmussen has had a pair of favorable matchups to begin the season, as he struck out seven in six scoreless frames against the Nationals on Monday prior to Sunday's gem against Oakland. Regardless of his opponents, he's allowed just three baserunners while striking out 15 in 13 scoreless innings to earn back-to-back wins. The righty posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 28 starts last year, and he's shown no signs of slowing down in 2023. Rasmussen tentatively lines up for a slightly tougher test on the road against Toronto on Friday, but he's still a solid fantasy play given his dominance over his first two starts.

Rasmussen (1-0) earned the win over Washington on Monday, yielding two hits and no walks while striking out seven batters over six scoreless innings.

Rasmussen was very efficient in his first outing of the season, needing only 66 pitches to make it through six fames. The right-hander surrendered just a pair of singles and threw 50 of 66 pitches for strikes en route to the win. Rasmussen has been somewhat undervalued in fantasy despite posting a 2.84 ERA and 1.04 WHIP as a full-time starter last season, but more appearances like Monday's could help him develop more hype. He's tentatively scheduled to face a weak-hitting Oakland offense at home in his next start.

Rasmussen allowed one run (none earned) on one hit and one walk while striking out three across three innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

Rasmussen was hit hard in his first outing of the exhibition season, but he rebounded his second time out. In addition to the solid line, he also ramped up to 47 pitches and should continue to stretch out across his next couple of appearances prior to the regular season. Rasmussen is coming off a breakout campaign in which he transitioned from a reliever to a full-time starter and posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 146 innings.

Rasmussen will not make his scheduled start Wednesday in Boston as the Rays look to line him up for the postseason, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This makes sense from the team's perspective. Rasmussen had a 2.40 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 63.2 innings over his final 11 appearances. It's unclear who will make the spot start Wednesday.

Rasmussen (11-7) gave up two earned runs on five hits and no walks while striking out three over seven innings to earn the win in a 7-3 victory over the Astros on Friday.

Rasmussen continued his superb 2022 campaign with a win over the best team in the American League to clinch the Rays a postseason birth. Rasmussen did not walk a batter and lasted seven strong innings despite throwing only 73 pitches. The 27-year-old right-hander has shown excellent control by walking only 31 batters in 146 innings pitched this season. He is tentatively expected to make his final regular season start of the year at Boston on Wednesday, although that could change depending on how the Rays plan to use him in the playoffs.

Rasmussen (10-7) took the loss Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over 6.1 innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out five.

Rasmussen surrendered a double from Teoscar Hernandez in the seventh inning prior to exiting the game, so he was charged with one of the three runs from second baseman Whit Merrifield's seventh inning blast off lefty reliever Brooks Raley. The righty has recorded three-straight losses allowing nine runs in 16.1 innings. The 27-year-old's home results have been much better as he boasts a 2.24 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over 76.1 innings compared to a 3.59 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 62.2 innings on the road.

Rasmussen (10-6) allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three batters over six innings to take the loss against Houston on Monday.

Rasmussen served up a game-opening homer to Jose Altuve in the first inning, but he limited Houston to that one run through five frames. However, the Astros tagged him for three runs in the sixth, which was more than enough to send him to defeat in a game during which the Rays were shut out. Rasmussen has given up four runs in each of his past two starts, resulting in his first two-game losing streak of the campaign. He's pitched to a strong 2.92 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 117:29 K:BB over 132.2 innings overall on the campaign.

Rasmussen (10-5) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over four innings in a 5-1 loss against the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

Rasmussen was not at his best Wednesday as he allowed four runs for the first time since June 10. The Blue Jays got to him early, as Vladimir Guerrero hit a solo shot in the first inning, and Rasmussen never settled in as he allowed runs in the third and fourth innings. He recorded two quality starts in a row leading up to Wednesday, so he will look to get back to form in his next scheduled start against Houston next week.

Rasmussen (10-4) earned the win against the Yankees on Friday, allowing no runs on six hits while striking out 10 and walking none over six innings.

Rasmussen tossed a six-inning gem Friday, throwing 68 of 94 pitches for strikes and stranding six Yankees baserunners. In typical Tampa fashion, they have been very careful with his innings, as Rasmussen has only finished the sixth inning seven times in 24 starts. The righty earned a quality start in each game where he has lasted through the sixth inning or longer, including Friday's win over the Yanks. The 10 strikeouts mark a single-game season high for Rasmussen, who will take a 2.57 ERA into his next appearance.

Rasmussen (personal) was reinstated from the paternity list Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rasmussen was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday in anticipation of the birth of his first child and is now ready to return to the team. The 27-year-old righty holds a minuscule 1.59 ERA and 0.53 WHIP over his last five starts.

The Rays officially placed Rasmussen (personal) on the paternity list Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The transaction opens up a spot on the 28-man active roster for Yonny Chirinos (elbow), who was reinstated from the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. Rasmussen had been scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, but after he left the team in anticipation of the birth of his first child, the Rays will have JT Chargois serve as their opening pitcher. Chirinos, meanwhile, built up to three innings in his most recent rehab start Thursday and could be deployed behind Chargois as a primary pitcher. Rasmussen will be away from the Rays for the next 1-to-3 days and could reclaim a rotation spot this weekend against the Yankees.

Rasmussen will not start Tuesday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rasmussen's wife is expecting the couple's first child, and Rasmussen was excused from the team to be with his growing family. It remains to be seen both who will start Tuesday in his place and when he will take the ball next.

Rasmussen didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning win over the Marlins, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The right-hander battled Trevor Rogers for five scoreless innings before Jon Berti (hip) popped a solo shot to left-center field in the sixth, but the Rays got Rasmussen off the hook for a loss right away with a run in the bottom of the frame. The 27-year-old delivered his sixth quality start of the season, and since the All-Star break he's reeled off eight straight outings giving up two earned runs or less -- a stretch in which Rasmussen boasts a 1.84 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 41:6 K:BB through 44 innings.

Rasmussen (9-4) allowed one earned run on six hits and one walk while striking out nine across 5.1 innings to earn the win Thursday against the Angels.

Rasmussen allowed only a solo home run to Taylor Ward and tallied a win in his third consecutive start. He has allowed only four earned runs across 19.1 innings in that span while also maintaining a 24:2 K:BB. With that strong stretch, he now owns a 2.77 ERA across 110.2 frames for the season.

Rasmussen (8-4) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against the Royals. He struck out eight.

Rasmussen allowed only one extra-base hit in the form of a double from shortstop Bobby Witt. The righty has been particularly effective lately with a 33:6 K:BB and a 0.83 WHIP over 38.2 innings over his last seven starts. In addition, the 27-year-old has been significantly better at home with a 1.99 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 58.2 innings compared to a 3.86 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 46.2 innings away from Tampa Bay.

Rasmussen (7-4) earned the win Sunday against Baltimore, striking out seven and allowing a run on one hit in 8.1 innings.

Rasmussen came within three outs of tossing a perfect game Sunday but his efforts were thwarted when Jorge Mateo knocked a double on the first pitch of the ninth inning. It was an efficient outing as he tossed 87 pitches - 62 strikes. He was removed with one out in the ninth after his second wild pitch of the inning led to a runner reaching due to a dropped third strike. Since returning from a hamstring injury at the beginning of July, he's compiled a 1.94 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 33:9 K:BB in 41.2 innings over eight starts.

Rasmussen was lifted in the top of the fourth inning of his start in Sunday's 7-0 win over the Tigers in a "baseball decision," Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports. He struck out two over three no-hit innings and didn't factor into the decision.

Manager Kevin Cash made no indication that Rasmussen would be limited while returning to the mound Sunday on his standard four days' rest, but that's exactly what happened, even though the right-hander faced one more than the minimum through three innings while throwing just 33 pitches. Since he departed with the game tied 0-0, Rasmussen didn't come away with the win after Tampa Bay plated all seven of their runs in the top of the ninth inning. The early exit on a day he was pitching so well was surely frustrating for fantasy managers, but Rasmussen at least turned in a 1.00 ERA and 0.88 WHIP during his two-start week.

Rasmussen was lifted in the bottom of the fourth inning of his start Sunday against the Tigers with an apparent injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He struck out two over three no-hit innings before departing.

Only an Isaac Paredes fielding error prevented Rasmussen from facing the minimum amount of batters through three innings, and since Tampa Bay wasn't planning on having Rasmussen make a short start Sunday, it appears safe to assume his early exit was due to some sort of physical concern. Expect the Rays to provide an update on Rasmussen's situation later Sunday.

Rasmussen (6-4) took the loss Tuesday against Toronto, allowing a run on six hits and two walks while striking out three in six innings.

Rasmussen allowed a two-out RBI single in the first inning and then held Toronto scoreless the rest of the way. Since returning from a hamstring injury at the beginning of July, he's allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his six starts, compiling a 2.38 ERA and 24:9 K:BB while allowing just one long ball in 30.1 innings in that span. His 88.1 innings on the season are a career-high in any professional season.

Rasmussen didn't factor in the decision against Baltimore on Wednesday, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk while striking out four batters over 4.2 innings.

Rasmussen didn't allow any extra-base hits in the contest, but the Orioles were able to string together baserunners well enough to put up three runs (two earned) against him. The Rays appear intent on keeping the right-hander relatively fresh, as he's thrown five or more innings only twice over his past six starts despite delivering a respectable 3.45 ERA during that span. Rasmussen isn't going to pick up many wins if that trend continues, but he's pitched well enough this year to deserve a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues.

Rasmussen (6-3) gave up one earned run on seven hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings to earn the win in a 7-3 victory over the Royals on Friday.

Rasmussen looked good in his first start back after the All-Star break, holding the Royals to only one run over five innings of work on 94 pitches. He has been solid since coming back from a hamstring injury at the beginning of July and boasts a 2.29 ERA in four starts this month. The 26-year-old right-hander has excellent spin on his fastball and opponents are only hitting .228 on the four seamer so far this season. Rasmussen tentatively lines up for another favorable matchup at Baltimore on Wednesday.

Rasmussen did not factor in the decision against Boston on Thursday, pitching six innings and allowing three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five batters.

Rasmussen got through three scoreless frames before Rafael Devers tagged him for a solo home run in the fourth. Rasmussen gave up two more runs in the sixth but was able to complete the inning to notch his third quality start of the campaign. He departed in line for the loss, but a late Rays rally took him off the hook. Rasmussen notched a modest five strikeouts in the outing, but he racked up a more impressive 18 swinging strikes. The right-hander has made six starts since his last win, but he's allowed three or fewer runs in four of those appearances.

Rasmussen tossed four scoreless innings against Cincinnati on Saturday, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out six. He did not factor in the decision.

Rasmussen was effective in his second start following a recent stint on the IL due to a hamstring injury, but Cincinnati fouled off 24 balls against him to help drive his pitch count up to 84 over four frames. Consequently, he was unable to go five innings for the second straight start. Nonetheless, it was a promising outing for the right-hander, and he has now given up just one earned run over 8.2 innings since his activation. Rasmussen hasn't thrown more than 88 pitches in any of his appearances this season, but that's usually enough for him to qualify for a win when he's pitching as effectively as he did Saturday.

Rasmussen (hamstring) did not factor into the decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out two.

In his return from the injured list, Rasmussen did fairly well to keep the Blue Jays' high-powered offense at bay. However, he issued two walks in the fifth inning and manager Kevin Cash would not let Rasmussen face Bo Bichette a third time. With that, Rasmussen fell short of qualifying for the win, but he should be available to add to his workload gradually in his subsequent starts (68 pitches Saturday).

Rasmussen (hamstring) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and is starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Toronto.

Although Rasmussen is technically serving as the 27th man for Saturday's twin bill, he should remain in the Rays' rotation now that he's recovered from his left hamstring strain. The right-hander didn't require a rehab assignment prior to being activated, so it's possible that he's on a slight pitch count after missing two and a half weeks.

Rasmussen (hamstring) will throw a sim game Saturday and could rejoin the Rays' rotation during their upcoming road trip in Toronto, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rasmussen has been on the injured list since mid-June due to a left hamstring strain, but he's closing in on a return. The team is optimistic that the right-hander will be able to return without a rehab assignment, but he'll presumably be monitored following Saturday's sim game. The Rays haven't yet indicated which day Rasmussen is expected to pitch if he's ultimately cleared to return next weekend.

Rasmussen was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain Wednesday, retroactive to June 12, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Rasmussen was listed as the starter for Thursday's game against the Yankees but will be unable to take the mound due to his hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for at least two weeks. The right-hander was dominant in late April and early May but struggled recently, posting a 5.59 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 19.1 innings over his last four starts. The Rays haven't yet indicated who will take Rasmussen's place in the rotation, but Ralph Garza should be a candidate to pitch multiple innings Thursday after he was recalled Wednesday.

Rasmussen (5-3) took the loss Friday, coughing up seven runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks over 4.1 innings as the Rays fell 9-4 to the Twins. He struck out three.

Byron Buxton was his biggest nemesis on the night, launching homers off Rasmussen in the first and fifth innings, but the right-hander didn't have much success against the rest of the Minnesota lineup either. Rasmussen has had his two worst performances of the season in his last three trips to the mound, but he'll still carry a 3.41 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 49:16 K:BB through 58 innings into his next start.

Rasmussen did not factor in the decision against the White Sox on Saturday despite pitching seven scoreless innings during which he allowed three hits and one walk while striking out two.

Rasmussen didn't have his swing-and-miss stuff working in the outing -- he notched only six swinging strikes and just two punchouts -- but he didn't allow any extra-base hits and kept Chicago off the scoreboard for seven frames. He departed with a 2-0 lead, but the Rays' bullpen coughed up three runs in the eighth inning to blow his chance at a win. Rasmussen had his worst start of the campaign in his previous outing, so this was a nice bounce-back effort for him. He'll carry a 3.02 ERA into his next start, which is slated to come at home against St. Louis on Thursday.

Rasmussen (5-2) allowed five runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts in three innings, taking the loss Monday versus the Rangers.

The three walks were a season high, and Rasmussen also allowed two home runs for the first time in his 10 starts this year. It wasn't a sharp outing for the 26-year-old, but he's had few mistakes in 2022, so it's safe to assume this was just a bump in the road. He owns a 3.47 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 44:13 K:BB through 46.2 innings. He'll look to get back on track in a tough home matchup with the White Sox this weekend.

Rasmussen (5-1) allowed three earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven across five innings to earn the win Wednesday against Miami.

Rasmussen began the outing with three scoreless innings but allowed the first four hitters to reach base in the fourth frame to account for the damage. Rasmussen has yet to allow more than three earned runs in any of his nine starts, though he has recorded more than 15 outs on only two occasions. For the season, he has maintained a 2.68 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 41:10 K:BB across 43.2 frames.

Rasmussen (4-1) allowed four hits and no walks while striking out seven across five scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Tigers.

Rasmussen allowed two hits in the first inning but proceeded to retire 12 of the last 14 batters he faced. He recorded more than five strikeouts in a start for only the second time this season, which was backed by an impressive 20 swinging strikes across 87 total pitches. Rasmussen has now allowed one or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts, spanning 26.2 frames. Overall, he's maintained a 2.33 ERA with a 34:8 K:BB across 38.2 innings.

Rasmussen didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 5-2 win over the Blue Jays, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over 5.2 innings while striking out one.

The right-hander has only completed six innings once in his seven starts this season, but otherwise Rasmussen has had an outstanding beginning to the season as he continues to draw weak contact out of hitters. Through 33.2 innings, the 26-year-old has posted a 2.67 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with a 27:8 K:BB.

Rasmussen (3-1) allowed one earned run on five hits and two walks while striking out five across five innings to earn the win Saturday against the Mariners.

Rasmussen primarily relied on groundballs to keep the Mariners' offense in check. His lone blemish came in the fifth frame when he allowed a leadoff triple to Julio Rodriguez, who came around to score on a subsequent single. Rasmussen has suppressed runs effectively for most of the season, but he's importantly worked at least five innings in each of his last three starts and earned a win on each occasion. He's maintained an impressive 2.89 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with a 26:7 K:BB on the campaign.

Rasmussen (2-1) notched the victory against Oakland on Monday, tossing five innings and allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out three.

Rasmussen mostly pitched to contact Monday -- he induced only six swinging strikes while the A's wore him down with 22 foul balls -- but he yielded only one hit (a single) and one walk and stuck around just long enough to pick up his second straight win. The right-hander hasn't given up more than three earned runs in any appearance this year, helping him register a solid 3.13 ERA through five starts. He's set to next take the mound this weekend in Seattle.

Rasmussen (1-1) picked up the win after tossing six scoreless innings, surrendering two hits and walking one batter while striking out nine in the victory over the Mariners on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old put together his best outing of the season Wednesday, limiting the Rays to just three baserunners and only one extra-base knock while posting a season high nine punchouts. Rasmussen had struggled to last very long in each of his prior three starts this season, tossing just 12 innings over those outings. The victory was his first of the year and his season long numbers now stand at a formidable 3.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 18 innings.

Rasmussen allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four across three innings Wednesday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

Rasmussen was handed a 4-0 lead in the opening frame, but he failed to work efficiently and lost the chance to earn his first win of the campaign. He wasn't hit particularly hard, though multiple hitters reached base in every inning that he worked. Positively, Rasmussen generated four groundball outs and threw a first-pitch strike to 13 of the 16 batters he faced. Rasmussen has a 5.25 ERA and has failed to complete five innings in two of his three starts to begin the season.

Rasmussen (0-1) allowed three runs on five hits over five innings Friday, striking out two and taking a loss against the White Sox.

The first run to score on Rasmussen came in the second inning when he fired a wild pitch. He then gave up a solo shot to Jake Burger in the third followed by Burger's RBI single in the fifth. The 26-year-old righty tossed 47 of 68 pitches for strikes, including nine whiffs. Rasmussen will carry a 5.00 ERA into Chicago against the Cubs next week.

Rasmussen tossed four innings of two-run ball on three hits and a walk while striking out three in Saturday's win over the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision.

All the damage against the right-hander in this one came off of the bat of Ryan Mountcastle, who launched a first-pitch slider over the wall for a two-run shot in the third inning. Rasmussen failed to pitch five innings in the contest, leaving after the fourth inning at 64 pitches. It was a strong season debut for the 26-year-old who produced a 4-1 record with a 2.84 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 35 appearances and 10 starts between the Brewers and Rays.

Rasmussen gave up one run over 3.1 innings with six strikeouts and no walks in Sunday's spring training win over Pittsburgh. He has added a new pitch, a sweeping slider, this spring. "It's pretty unique, the action on it, so we're hoping that really plays for him," Rays manager Kevin Cash told the Tampa Bay Times.

Rasmussen looks set for the regular season and is expected to make his first start April 10 against Baltimore. Rasmussen excelled when he moved into the starting rotation late last season with Tampa Bay, holding hitters to a .171 average as a starter (.239 as a reliever) and had a 4.5 BB% starting (11.8% relieving).

Rasmussen will start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Red Sox on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Heading into the postseason, the Rays were undecided whether Rasmussen would be used as a starter or as a reliever, but he'll take the mound to begin Game 3 after he didn't appear out of the bullpen in either of the first two contests. The right-hander lasted five innings in each of his final four regular-season appearances, and he posted a 1.35 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 20 innings during that time.

Rasmussen is the top candidate to start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Red Sox or Yankees but could be used in relief in one of the first two games, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rasmussen has pitched in both roles this season, starting 10 games while appearing out of the bullpen in 15 more. He owns an excellent 1.93 ERA as a starter compared to a 3.97 mark in relief, but that doesn't entirely line up with his underlying numbers, as he's struck out just 18.2 percent of opposing batters in a starting role compared to 29.4 percent as a reliever. The Rays famously care as little as any team about traditional pitcher roles, so Rasmussen will likely handle multiple innings at a time in some capacity, but exactly when those innings will come is tough to predict.

Rasmussen (4-1) earned the win over Houston on Wednesday, hurling five scoreless innings during which he allowed one hit and no walks while striking out two.

In perhaps the most impressive outing of his young career, Rasmussen held the Astros without a baserunner for 4.1 frames before Yuli Gurriel broke through with a single. Rasmussen completed the inning without surrendering any damage on the scoreboard, allowing him to notch his third win in his past four starts. Each of those victories have come in five-inning efforts, and the Rays were unwilling to let the right-hander go any deeper Wednesday despite his dominance and the fact that he threw only 54 pitches. The 26-year-old may have worked his way into Tampa Bay's playoff rotation with his strong campaign. He finishes 2021 with a 2.84 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 73:25 K:BB across 76 innings.

Rasmussen pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out three in Tuesday's loss to the Blue Jays. He did not factor into the decision.

The 26-year-old commanded the strike zone in this one with 52 of his 70 pitches being strikes. The only major blow against him was a solo home run by Lourdes Gurriel in the fifth inning. Since joining the pitching rotation Aug. 12, Rasmussen has posted a fantastic 1.69 ERA and 0.84 WHIP over 32 innings. He's projected to start next against the Astros on Wednesday.

Rasmussen (3-1) earned the win Tuesday after pitching five scoreless innings against the Blue Jays. He surrendered two hits, walked one and struck out three.

The 26-year-old was able to limit the damage to just three baserunners, none of which passed second base. He only threw 52 pitches in the contest as the team continues to limit his innings. Rasmussen has posted a 1.33 ERA and 0.67 WHIP in six starts since Aug. 12. He's lined up to face the Blue Jays again Monday.

Rasmussen (2-1) allowed a run on six hits and struck out two in five innings, earning the win Tuesday over Boston.

The only run the right-hander gave up came on a second-inning groundout. Rasmussen still isn't pitching very deep into games, but he hasn't allowed more than one run in any appearance since July 5. He owns a 3.25 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 65:23 K:BB across 61 innings between Tampa Bay and Milwaukee this year. The 26-year-old will look to keep up the strong pitching next week in Toronto.

Rasmussen pitched four innings in Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox, allowing one run on three hits and no walks while striking out five.

The 26-year-old held his own in this one with the only blemish coming as a result of a second inning RBI single by Christian Vazquez. Since being moved from the bullpen to the starting rotation on August 12, Rasmussen has posted a strong 1.59 ERA and 0.76 WHIP over 17 innings. His next expected start is projected to be Tuesday against the Red Sox in Boston.

Rasmussen took a no-decision in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Phillies after allowing one run on four hits and one walk while striking out one over five innings.

The five-inning outing represented a new career high for Rasmussen, who is slowly ramping up his pitch count after moving from the bullpen to the rotation Aug. 12. In his first three starts with the Rays, Rasmussen has allowed only two runs in 13 innings, but a 5.5 K/9 and zero wins during that stretch have somewhat muted his overall fantasy impact.

Manager Kevin Cash suggested after Tuesday's 10-0 win over the Orioles that Rasmussen will remain in the Tampa Bay rotation for at least one more turn, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "We'll continue to explore [Rasmussen starting] and just see where it takes us. As long as his bounce-back is good and he's feeling good, kind of why wouldn't we? He's just got a lot of power, and he's got a pretty good three-pitch, four-pitch mix."

Rasmussen technically made his fourth start of the season Tuesday, but since he was used as more of an opener in the first two outings, he's only made two proper turns through the rotation. Because he had been working in relief prior to moving into the rotation last week, Rasmussen has been capped at four innings in his two turns and has been exceptional both times. In Tuesday's win, he held the Orioles scoreless while striking out three and allowing one hit and one walk. Though Chris Archer (forearm) should be back from the 60-day injured list early next week and could slot into the rotation, he's more likely to replace the struggling Michael Wacha or inconsistent Josh Fleming than Rasmussen.

Rasmussen is listed as the Rays' probable starter for Tuesday's game against the Orioles, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

After striking out four over four innings of one-run ball while starting Thursday in Boston following Ryan Yarbrough's placement on the COVID-19 injured list, Rasmussen will pick up another turn through the rotation while Yarbrough remains on the shelf. Even if Yarbrough makes it back from the IL for next weekend's series with the White Sox, Rasmussen could retain a spot in the rotation if he performs well versus the Orioles, given the extent to which back-end starters Josh Fleming and Michael Wacha have struggled of late. Rasmussen could be cleared to throw around 60-to-75 pitches Tuesday after he was pulled after 50 pitches in last week's start.

Rasmussen allowed one earned run on one hit and two walks while striking out four across four innings in the win over the Red Sox on Thursday. He did not factor into the decision.

Rasmussen served as the opener, but was able to get through four innings. He allowed just one run on a Rafael Devers double in the fourth inning. The 25-year-old has given up a run over each of his last three appearances. Since joining the Rays, he has a 3.81 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with 29 strikeouts over 26 innings.

Rasmussen will open Thursday's game against the Red Sox, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

With Ryan Yarbrough (undisclosed) landing on the COVID-19 injured list Thursday, Josh Fleming's outing is expected to be moved up to Wednesday. That leaves Rassmussen to take the ball for Thursday's series finale. The right-hander hasn't pitched more than three innings this season, though he's worked multiple frames in each of his last seven outings. With that in mind, the Rays will likely try to get him through the third inning Thursday, but the 26-year-old is almost certain to not qualify for the win.

Rasmussen (1-1) earned the win Friday against the Orioles after allowing one run on five hits and a walk across 2.1 innings, striking out one.

Rasmussen allowed contact all game long but still limited the damage to just one run, and that was enough to hand him his first win of the campaign. The right-hander has given up runs in four of his last six outings, though, and he owns a 4.41 ERA -- as well as a 1.41 WHIP -- in eight appearances since the beginning of July.

Rasmussen didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 8-2 win over Cleveland, allowing one run on one hit over three innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

Making his second career big-league start, Rasmussen was very efficient over 35 pitches (25 strikes) and made only one mistake, which Bobby Bradley deposited in the seats for a solo shot. The right-hander has worked multiple innings in five of his last six appearances, and while his 4.60 ERA in 15.2 frames since coming over from the Brewers in the Willy Adames trade isn't impressive, Rasmussen's 1.09 WHIP and 20:4 K:BB suggests he can be useful in a swing role for the Rays.

Rasmussen will start Saturday's bullpen game against Cleveland, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Rasmussen has pitched two innings in each of his last three appearances, and he's posted a 1.50 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in six innings during that time. He'll begin the contest on the mound as the Rays plan to utilize a bullpen game in Cleveland on Saturday.

Rasmussen fired two scoreless innings in a loss to the Orioleas on Monday, allowing a walk and recording two strikeouts.

The right-hander has now worked three straight two-inning assignments, and he's logged that workload in four of his last five trips to the mound overall. Rasmussen is building some trust back up after stumbles in back-to-back outings June 30 and July 5, as he's bounced back to allow just an earned run and generate a 7:1 K:BB over the six innings covering his last three appearances.

Rasmussen fired two scoreless innings during which he allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday.

The young right-hander had allowed six earned runs on seven hits and a walk over three innings in his previous two appearances, so Sunday's multi-inning blanking was certainly a welcome sight. Rasmussen had also generated scoreless efforts in each of his first three appearances for the Rays prior to the pair of stumbles and brings high-quality swing-and-miss stuff, so there's reason for optimism he can be an asset in Tampa's bullpen during the second half of the season.

Rasmussen allowed two runs on two hits and a walk while throwing two innings as the opener during Wednesday's loss to the Nationals. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision.

Rasmussen was handed a 2-0 lead before even taking the mound, but he allowed two singles and a walk as the Nationals tied the game in the bottom of the first. He settled down to retire Washington in order in the second before exiting. The right-hander has allowed just those two runs across 6.2 innings with the Rays and he should continue to serve in multiple roles going forward.

Rasmussen is listed as the Rays' probable starting pitcher Wednesday against the Nationals and is expected to work as an opener.

Since being acquired in the May trade that sent Willy Adames to Milwaukee, Rasmussen has made three appearances out of the Tampa Bay bullpen, tossing 3.2 scoreless frames and striking out seven. He'll receive his first career big-league start Wednesday, but the Rays likely won't ask him to record more than six outs before turning the game over to primary pitcher Michael Wacha.

The Rays recalled Rasmussen from Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Though he was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday, Rasmussen is eligible to rejoin the big club early since the Rays placed a player on the injured list (shortstop Taylor Walls) in a corresponding move. Rasmussen, who was acquired from the Brewers in May in the trade that sent Willy Adames to Milwaukee, was impressive in his Rays debut June 19, striking out four Mariners over 1.2 perfect innings in relief.

Rasmussen was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Rasmussen was called up by the Rays on Saturday, and he struck out four in 1.2 perfect innings in Saturday's matchup against Seattle. He'll now head back to the minors as part of a transaction that's expected to make room for shortstop Wander Franco on the active roster.

Rasmussen was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Rasmussen made eight appearances (one start) with Triple-A Durham this year and posted a 0.63 WHIP and 23:2 K:BB in 11.1 scoreless innings. He was traded from the Brewers to the Rays in mid-May and will now be in line to make his team debut out of the bullpen.

Rasmussen and J.P. Feyereisen were traded from the Brewers to the Rays on Friday in exchange for Willy Adames and Trevor Richards, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 25-year-old righty owns a career 5.01 ERA in 32.1 major-league innings, but he's more interesting than that number suggests. His 4.28 FIP and 3.61 xFIP indicate that his 31.1 percent strikeout rate should be enough to offset his 14.2 percent walk rate going forward. There's potential for high-leverage opportunities in Rasmussen's future if he can trim the walks, but he'll head to Triple-A Durham for now.

Rasmussen pitched a scoreless 10th inning with one walk and one strikeout for the save in Sunday's 2-1 extra-inning win over Miami.

Devin Williams and Josh Hader were deployed in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively. Rasmussen was the next man up for Milwaukee, and he did well to protect a one-run lead in the bottom of the 10th. The right-hander has had a rough start to 2021 with a 4.91 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB across 14.2 innings -- as such, high-leverage opportunities likely won't be frequent.

Rasmussen allowed two earned runs on one hit and one walk in one inning of relief to take the loss against the Cardinals on Thursday. He recorded three strikeouts.

Rasmussen has struggled in both of his relief appearances to start the year, allowing five earned runs in two innings. A positive takeaway is all three of his outs came via strikeout, however, not until after Nolan Arenado hit a two-run home run to give the Cardinals the lead. Rasmussen had a solid spring, but he could receive a demotion if his numbers do not improve.

Rasmussen was informed Monday that he has secured a spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It was expected that Rasmussen would break camp with the big club for the first time, and he sewed up a spot by posting a 2.89 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB over his first 9.1 innings of the spring. Rasmussen threw more than an inning more often than not this spring, so he will likely open in some type of multi-inning role in the middle of the Brewers' bullpen. However, he has some of the best arm talent among the bunch, and he could eventually wind up in the spot directly in front of the talented back-end duo of Josh Hader and Devin Williams.

Rasmussen is being stretched out to handle a multi-inning role, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Rasmussen opened Wednesday's game and was the first Brewers pitcher to throw more than an inning this spring, and manager Craig Counsell confirmed after the game that he is being built up to cover a two- to three-inning relief role, similar to the one Brent Suter filled last year. While that means Rasmussen will likely be ticketed to pitch in the middle frames, it does give his fantasy value a slight boost, as it will give him the opportunity to rack up more than one or two strikeouts per outing. Rasmussen averaged 12.3 K/9 in his 2020 rookie season, so he could provide some degree of help in the strikeout department if he gets the innings.

Rasmussen (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning and struck out two to earn the win Friday versus the Royals.

Rasmussen worked the fifth inning right after the Brewers took a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the fourth. The solid performance gave Rasmussen his first career major-league win. He has a 2.13 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 14 strikeouts in 12.2 innings across nine appearances in a low-leverage role.

Rasmussen threw two scoreless innings of relief in the Brewers' loss to the Cardinals in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader.

The Brewers used their top relievers in the first game of Monday's twin bill, which gave Rasmussen the chance to pitch in a key spot in the nightcap. He got the job done, keeping the Cardinals off the scoreboard despite entering the game with runners on first and third and no outs. Rasmussen allowed just one runner to cross home plate over his last 8.1 innings, and on the heels of Tuesday's performance he could find himself working in higher-stress situations more often.

Rasmussen threw two scoreless innings and finished Friday's 9-1 victory over the Pirates. He did not allow a hit, struck out two and walked one.

Rasmussen was tagged for two earned runs over 1.1 innings in an Aug. 22 loss to the Pirates, but he has sandwiched scoreless two-inning outings around that since earning his first trip to the big leagues. The Brewers have used Rasmussen only in mop-up duty thus far, but he is finding his footing in the bullpen and bringing the heat, averaging 97.9 mph on his fastball -- a mark that ranks top-10 in the league.

Rasmussen made his big-league debut Wednesday against the Twins and struck out three batters over two innings of relief.

Rasmussen's fastball is his calling card, and he wasted no time showing it off, striking out the first batter he faced -- Miguel Sano -- on a 99 MPH heater and averaging over 98 MPH with his four-seamer over his two frames. Rasmussen started in the minors last year but has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, so he figures to work solely in relief in 2020, and could remain there next year and beyond. Even if he does, though, he has the arm talent to be a factor in fantasy leagues at some point.

Rasmussen's contract was selected by the Brewers on Thursday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Rasmussen made a strong case to make the major-league roster during spring training and summer camp. He was left off the Opening Day roster, but he'll get ready to make his major-league debut as part of the Brewers' pitching staff. The right-hander posted a 3.15 ERA and 96:31 K:BB over 74.1 innings in the minors last season. Despite his solid results in the minor leagues, Rasmussen has never pitched above Double-A and could experience some growing pains against higher-level competition. Rasmussen served mainly as a starter in the minors and could take Eric Lauer's place in the rotation after he was optioned to the alternate training site Thursday.

Rasmussen is expected to begin the season at the alternate training site, but he could still make his MLB debut this season, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

As Haudricourt notes, the hard-throwing righty still needs development. He has never pitched above Double-A and had an 11.4 percent walk rate at that level last year. His upper-90s fastball could earn him low-leverage chances as the Brewers cycle in fresh relievers this season.