As a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, I was saddened to hear that pitcher Drew Rasmussen has been placed on the 60-day injured list (IL). It’s a tough blow for both Rasmussen and the team as he was an important part of the bullpen. The exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed yet, but it’s a reminder of the physical demands placed on professional athletes and how injuries can quickly affect a team’s success. I’m wishing Rasmussen a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the mound soon.
Tampa Bay Rays place Drew Rasmussen on 60-day IL
The Tampa Bay Rays have placed right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen on the 60-day injured list. The move came after the team was forced to shut down Rasmussen on June 4 due to recurring discomfort in his right thumb. The 25-year-old hurler underwent an MRI, which revealed a small tear in the ligament of his right thumb.
Rasmussen, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Brett Anderson in May, had been a bright spot in the bullpen. He posted a 4.24 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP, striking out 20 batters in 17 innings pitched over 19 appearances. He had also recorded one save and one hold.
The Rays hope that the extended break will give Rasmussen enough time to rest and recover from his injury. But the team does not plan to rush him back to the mound, given his importance to the bullpen.
The impact of Rasmussen’s absence on the Rays bullpen
The loss of Rasmussen is a significant blow to the Rays, who currently lead the American League East with a 43-24 record. The young right-hander had become a reliable arm out of the bullpen, often coming in to pitch in high-leverage situations.
Rasmussen’s absence also leaves a void in the Rays’ bullpen, which has been one of the team’s strengths this season. The Rays’ bullpen is currently ranked third in the majors in ERA (2.91) and fifth in WHIP (1.12). The bullpen has been a key factor in many of the Rays’ victories this season, especially in close games.
Without Rasmussen, the Rays will need to rely on other young pitchers like Andrew Kittredge, Collin McHugh, and J.P. Feyereisen to step up and fill the void. Kittredge has been solid this season, posting a 1.47 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 24 appearances. McHugh has also been impressive, with a 1.53 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP in 17 appearances. Feyereisen, who was acquired from the Brewers along with Rasmussen, has posted a 2.95 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 18 appearances for the Rays.
The outlook for Rasmussen’s recovery and return to the mound
The Rays have not announced a timetable for Rasmussen’s return. But the team is optimistic that he will be able to recover without the need for surgery. Rasmussen will likely receive treatment and physical therapy for his thumb, and the team will monitor his progress closely.
If Rasmussen is able to return this season, it will be a significant boost for the Rays’ bullpen. His presence would provide another reliable arm to a bullpen that already features talented pitchers like Diego Castillo, Pete Fairbanks, and Ryan Thompson.
But the Rays will not rush Rasmussen back to the mound. The team will be cautious with his recovery, not wanting to risk further injury or setbacks. Rasmussen will likely need to complete a rehab assignment in the minor leagues before he returns to the majors.
The long-term impact of Rasmussen’s injury on his career
The injury is a setback for Rasmussen, who was beginning to establish himself as a valuable reliever for the Rays. But it is not expected to have any long-term impact on his career. Thumb injuries are common in baseball, and many pitchers have been able to recover without any lasting effects.
Rasmussen, who was a standout pitcher at Oregon State University, was drafted by the Brewers in the sixth round of the 2018 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the Brewers in 2020 and was traded to the Rays in May of 2021.
Rasmussen has impressed with his fastball-slider combination, which has allowed him to generate strikeouts and induce weak contact from opposing hitters. He has the potential to be a key piece of the Rays’ bullpen for years to come, and the team will be eager to see him return to the mound as soon as possible.
The Rays’ quest for a World Series title
The Rays are in a good position to make a run at their first World Series title since 2008. The team has a deep and talented roster, with a mix of young up-and-comers and experienced veterans. The starting rotation is anchored by ace Tyler Glasnow, while the offense is led by All-Stars Randy Arozarena and Brandon Lowe.
The bullpen has been a strength for the Rays, and the loss of Rasmussen will test the team’s depth. But the Rays have shown that they are capable of overcoming adversity, and the team is well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
As the season continues, the Rays will need to stay focused and continue to play at a high level. The team will also need to make smart decisions about its roster, including how to manage Rasmussen’s recovery and return to the mound. But with the talent and depth that the Rays have, the team has a real shot at bringing home a World Series championship to Tampa Bay.
