Rays Pitcher Drew Rasmussen Returns to the Mound

ST. LOUIS — Sidelined since a May 2023 elbow harm that led to his third surgery in seven years, Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen mentioned Wednesday afternoon he was simply completely satisfied to be again in the large leagues. He confirmed it that evening, working two 1-2-3 innings, placing out three, throwing 19 of his 28 pitches for strikes, and clocking as much as 98.7 mph. “It felt nice,” Rasmussen mentioned.

Rasmussen mentioned he saved an all-business method on the mound, along with his largest situation attempting to sluggish issues down. But the importance of his return was evident shortly after the sport in the hallway exterior the clubhouse when he and his spouse, Stevie, shared a protracted hug and she or he began crying. “Just all of the emotion and all the pieces that comes out once we lastly get again so far, it was, I don’t know if I need to say nice to see, nevertheless it was superior,” Rasmussen mentioned.

Rasmussen spent the tip of 2021 and 2022-23 as a starter however will work the remainder of this season as a one-two-inning reliever, the product of a plan to shorten his rehab time and higher handle his workload. “It’s been some time, however it’s one thing I’ve carried out earlier than. I feel my final look out of the bullpen might need been in the postseason in ‘22,” Rasmussen mentioned. “But it offers me the chance to get again and assist the crew quicker.”

Rasmussen mentioned earlier than the sport there are nonetheless some issues that want sharpening. “Physically, I’m in a great place,” he mentioned. “Stuff-wise, I’m in a great place. I’d prefer to execute a little bit bit higher. But, I imply, if this group deems that I’m adequate and high quality sufficient to pitch, that provides me all the boldness in the world.

Armstrong Adjusting to New Team

Reliever Shawn Armstrong mentioned he has adjusted effectively to being with the Cardinals following a July 30 commerce from the Rays, the place he had spent a lot of the previous 4 seasons.

“Obviously, it’s exhausting to depart,” he mentioned. “I imply, I’d be mendacity if I mentioned it wasn’t. But I can’t say sufficient in regards to the group right here. They welcomed me with open arms. They’ve been actually good with transparency, guiding me the best way they do issues right here.”

The transfer hasn’t been fairly as easy for Armstrong’s spouse, Sarah, who’s pregnant with the couple’s second little one. She and their 3-year-old son, Declan, are staying in St. Petersburg via this week earlier than heading to their North Carolina offseason dwelling, as she has her 28-week checkup Thursday, then a maternity photograph shoot Sunday at sundown that Armstrong will miss.

Miscellany

Dylan Carlson, who spent elements of 5 seasons with the Cardinals earlier than being traded to the Rays on July 30, obtained a pleasant ovation from the Busch Stadium followers — some standing — earlier than his first at-bat. “That was fairly cool,” he mentioned. … Jose Caballero elevated his American League-leading steals complete to 30 by swiping second in the fourth. … The second straight loss snapped the Rays’ seven-series unbeaten streak. … Yandy Diaz singled in the third inning to increase his street on-base streak to 29 video games, the longest lively such run in the majors and second-longest in a single season in Rays historical past. Johnny Damon had a 36-game streak in 2011. … Rays relievers have a 19-inning scoreless streak. … Minor-league pitcher Nelson L. Alvarez, a USF product the Rays took from the Yankees in the 2022 Rule 5 minor-league draft, was traded to the Phillies for money.

• • •

Conclusion

In conclusion, the return of Drew Rasmussen to the mound and Shawn Armstrong’s adjustment to a brand new crew spotlight the resilience and flexibility required in skilled baseball. Both gamers have confronted challenges, however their dedication and assist techniques have allowed them to beat obstacles and proceed acting at a excessive degree.

FAQs

1. How lengthy was Drew Rasmussen sidelined attributable to his harm?

Drew Rasmussen was sidelined since a May 2023 elbow harm that resulted in his third surgery in seven years.

2. How has Shawn Armstrong tailored to becoming a member of the Cardinals?

Shawn Armstrong has adjusted effectively to being with the Cardinals following a July 30 commerce from the Rays, regardless of the preliminary challenges of leaving his former crew.

3. What notable achievements have the Rays gamers made not too long ago?

Several Rays gamers have made important achievements, resembling Yandy Diaz extending his street on-base streak and the relievers sustaining a scoreless streak.