Drew Rasmussen Named Rays’ Opening Day Starter After All-Star Season

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The question wasn’t if Drew Rasmussen could be a reliable starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, but when. After navigating a challenging recovery from his third major elbow surgery, the right-hander has emphatically answered that question, earning the nod as the Rays’ Opening Day starter for March 26th against the Cardinals in St. Louis.

Rays manager Kevin Cash officially announced the decision on Thursday, a development Rasmussen was informed of roughly a week prior. The assignment marks a significant milestone in a career defined by resilience and perseverance. It’s a particularly poignant setting, as the game will be played at Busch Stadium, the same venue where Rasmussen made his return from an internal brace procedure on August 7th, 2024.

“It’s really cool to get the opportunity to pitch on opening day,” Rasmussen said. “Just being given the opportunity, it is a blessing and it is humbling.”

Rasmussen’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017, his path to the major leagues was repeatedly interrupted by arm injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries before the internal brace procedure. The Rays acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021 for shortstop Willy Adames, and since then, he’s consistently delivered strong results when healthy.

Last season, Rasmussen blossomed into a legitimate frontline starter. He posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP across 31 starts, striking out 127 batters while walking just 37. His performance was a key component of the Rays’ rotation, and his ability to consistently take the ball every five days provided much-needed stability. He finished the season with a career-high 150 innings pitched, a benchmark the Rays had set for him during Spring Training last year.

What made Rasmussen’s 2025 season so impressive wasn’t necessarily a dramatic change in his underlying skills – his career numbers with the Rays have consistently been strong, featuring a sub-3.00 ERA and a sub-1.10 WHIP – but rather his ability to maintain that level of performance over a full season. Previously, his workload had been limited by injury concerns. The Rays carefully managed his innings in 2024 as he returned from the internal brace procedure, utilizing him as a multi-inning reliever. Last year, he proved he could handle the demands of a full starting rotation role.

While Rasmussen’s health will always be a consideration given his injury history, the Rays are optimistic that he can continue to build on his success. He was named an All-Star in 2025, a testament to his outstanding performance and growing reputation around the league.

Beyond Rasmussen, the Rays’ rotation is expected to include returning ace Shane McClanahan, as well as right-handers Ryan Pepiot and Nick Martinez, and lefty Steven Matz. McClanahan’s return from injury provides a significant boost to the team’s pitching staff, and the combination of veteran experience and emerging talent should make the Rays’ rotation a formidable force in the American League East.

The Rays’ decision to name Rasmussen their Opening Day starter is a clear indication of the confidence the organization has in his ability to lead the team. It’s a reward for his dedication, perseverance, and outstanding performance on the mound. As he prepares to take the ball on March 26th in St. Louis, Rasmussen will be looking to build on his success and establish himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball.