Drew Rasmussen DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen threw his first live batting practice session of the spring on Wednesday and is working on a five-day starter's schedule. Rasmussen recovered from his third right-elbow surgery last year and rejoined the Rays as a reliever in August. The 29-year-old former sixth-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 out of Oregon State University appeared in 16 games (four starts) in 2024 and looked good with a 2.83 ERA (1.35 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, one save, 35 strikeouts and six walks in 28 2/3 innings. There's no guarantee Rasmussen will actually be included as part of the Rays' Opening Day rotation, though, and he's appeared in only 24 games (12 starts) over the last two seasons due to injury. Given all of his elbow injuries over the years, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Rasmussen retreat back to the bullpen, especially since he looked so good in relief in his return in 2024.

The Tampa Bay Rays are working to finalize a multi-year contract extension for right-hander Drew Rasmussen as he plans to return to a starting role in 2025. If the deal is finalized, Rasmussen will get a $500,000 signing bonus, a $2 million salary in 2025, $5.5 million in 2026 and an $8 million option for the 2027 season. His option includes escalator clauses based on health and innings pitched. The incentives make a lot of sense, as the 29-year-old has already had three elbow surgeries in his pitching career. Rasmussen has showed flashes as both a starter and reliever for Tampa, although his whiff rates have been much more impressive as a reliever. In five big-league seasons, Rasmussen has a sharp 2.95 ERA and 1.09 WHIP while striking out 301 and walking 82 in 310 2/3 innings over 99 outings (50 starts). Rasmussen is a big injury risk but is also worth a late-round flier as he transitions back to a starting role.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen (elbow) was spotted with the team in St. Louis for their series opener against the hosting Cardinals on Tuesday, and he's expected to be activated ahead of Wednesday's game. Rasmussen is set to return to the Rays as a long reliever to manage his workload, which should build him up toward getting back into Tampa Bay's rotation next year. He will be making shorter appearances on less rest, allowing him to return to the big leagues from last year's right flexor strain quicker than he would be able to as a starter. Unless the 29-year-old righty draws spot starts here and there, Rasmussen won't feature an abundance of fantasy upside, despite putting up a 2.62 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and 11 walks over 44 2/3 innings in 2023.