Drew Rasmussen's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

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 will be the opener for Wednesday's contest against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park and is likely to go only two innings. The plan is for left-hander Tyler Alexander to serve as the bulk reliever, although manager Kevin Cash told reporters in Seattle that depending on the game situation with a day off coming on Thursday, the Rays could go with a full bullpen game and use several relievers. This will be Rasmussen's third opening assignment of the year, but fantasy managers will want to avoid the 29-year-old, even against the light-hitting Mariners. Alexander, a 30-year-old southpaw, would be the better streaming option in deeper leagues, but he's also not recommended. In 17 outings (seven starts) this year, he holds a 5.22 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with only 69 strikeouts in 81 innings of work.

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.