NEW YORK — Drew Rasmussen has faced this situation before—more times than he’d like to remember.
As much as he’s looking to pitch longer in games, the right-hander acknowledges that being cautious is crucial to protecting his valuable elbow.
And yes, it has had its breakdowns.
When Rasmussen steps onto the mound against the Phillies on Tuesday, he’s expected to stick to the five-inning plan he’s followed in five of his six starts this season.
He’s not pushing for longer outings yet, knowing that manager Kevin Cash and pitching coach Kyle Snyder are prioritizing his long-term health after his third major elbow surgery in July 2023.
“I really appreciate the support I get from them, even when I’m probably a nuisance,” Rasmussen said. “They’ve been incredibly patient with me. We discussed starting the year cautiously, and I’m grateful they’ve enforced that plan even when I might not have been as disciplined.”
“It’s awesome to be in a place that prioritizes your well-being. Cashy and Snides have done a great job keeping me grounded.”
While there’s no strict inning limit, his performance against the Yankees a few weeks ago showed flexibility; he started the sixth after a solid five innings with a reasonable pitch count.
The goal is to gradually build his endurance while being mindful of his unique elbow history. The Rays aimed for mid-May before letting him extend into deeper games, but it’s unlikely he’ll jump straight to seven or eight innings.
“I believe we’ll eventually get him to six innings,” Cash remarked. “We’ll need to have conversations about workload, recovery days, and other important factors. It’s all about keeping him healthy, and frankly, no one has a definitive answer on how to achieve that. Collaborating on strategies should help.”
Rasmussen continues to perform well regardless of the restrictions; he holds a 1-2 record with a solid 2.64 ERA this season. Over his five years with the Rays, he boasts a 20-13 record and a 2.71 ERA.
A Needed Spark
Although it’s still early in the season, Chandler Simpson has an impressive .379 batting average in games won by the Rays, but only a .200 average in their losses.
Simpson’s presence on base creates pressure for both pitchers and catchers, who have to keep a watchful eye on his potential steals, making fielders hesitant as well.
“I’m living the dream,” said Simpson, who has played 14 games in the majors. “The camaraderie with my teammates has been fantastic. Being able to showcase my skills on the field and contribute to winning games is what it’s all about.”
Walk This Way
Jose Caballero’s statistics might not align with typical expectations. His batting average has improved slightly over the past two seasons, and his slugging percentage shows an uptick as well. However, what stands out is his newfound ability to draw walks.
Last year, Caballero struggled with walks, but just five weeks into the current season, his walk rate has more than doubled to 11.5%, ranking him among Tampa Bay’s top hitters for free passes.
Was this a strategic shift towards getting on base more frequently?
Sort of.
“I’m focusing on controlling the strike zone better,” Caballero explained. “I aim to hit my pitch and avoid chasing bad ones. Being on base is vital for me, but I’m not just trying to walk—it’s more about recognizing good pitches to hit.”
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Conclusion
Both Drew Rasmussen and Chandler Simpson highlight the fact that player health and strategic gameplay go hand-in-hand. With thoughtful management, the Rays are making strides to protect their players while still aiming for victories.
FAQs
What measures are the Rays taking to protect Drew Rasmussen’s elbow?
The team is adopting a conservative approach to his pitching schedule, ensuring he doesn’t exceed limits too quickly after his surgeries.
How has Chandler Simpson impacted the team?
His strong batting average in wins shows he’s a key player, putting pressure on defenses when he’s on base.
What is Jose Caballero focusing on this season?
Caballero is working on improving his control of the strike zone, which has helped him significantly increase his walk rate.
