Drew Rasmussen’s Journey: Overcoming Adversity within the MLB

Unsettling Times and Uncertain Days

ST. PETERSBURG — Understandably, there have been some unsettling and unsure days final summer season as Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen handled the truth of needing a 3rd main surgical procedure on his pitching elbow in seven years.

Family Support and Determination

“There’s not that many guys which have had three elbow surgical procedures which can be pitching within the huge leagues, so I feel that that worry might need bought to him just a little bit,” Rasmussen’s spouse, Stevie stated. “Because you go to the physician and so they’re like, ‘We’re going to attempt, however we don’t have a set reply for you.’”

But as soon as the July 2023 surgical procedure, which included restore of Rasmussen’s flexor tendon (however not a 3rd Tommy John process) and set up of an inside brace, was full, there was little doubt Rasmussen would do every part doable within the year-long rehab to return to the major-league mound.

“Once he put his head right down to rehab, that’s the place the psychological energy is available in,” Stevie stated Friday from Seattle. “He was going to do no matter he might. So, it was going to be that approach till somebody instructed him completely not. And, fortunately, we by no means bought to that time.

“He simply saved pushing alongside. It would take somebody saying, ‘You don’t have a job anymore’ for him to surrender. He wasn’t going to surrender.”

Grateful Acknowledgments

The checklist began with Stevie — “This is her third elbow surgical procedure as effectively” — for her fixed and unwavering help, the day by day inspiration she and their almost 2-year-old son, Rhett, present and the welcome respite from the mundane grind of rehab with the frequent household actions she deliberate. “Just waking up, seeing her, seeing him, it’s only a completely different stage of motivation,” he stated.

Rasmussen’s father, Mark, a longtime center faculty historical past/social research instructor and multi-sports coach, established the household’s intensive household work ethic. Butt-busting teammates set a tone alongside the way in which Rasmussen felt challenged to maintain up with.

Rays staffers — teaching, athletic coaching, rehab and past — did the hands-on work, whereas bosses supplied assurances they had been invested in and dedicated to Rasmussen’s profitable return.

Sports psychologist Brian Cain, who Rasmussen began working with after the May 2023 damage, “has been unimaginable for me,” the pitcher stated, particularly in understanding what’s and isn’t in his management. Members of his prolonged household and others who share his robust non secular religion additionally performed a component in serving to Rasmussen deal with and conquer his most troublesome problem.

“I’ve bought an incredible help system,” he stated. “God’s put so many good folks in my life which can be all the time there to help me. Being in a position to lean on folks whenever you want them, I feel that’s type of the simple reply. But it’s additionally the apparent and truest reply.”

Resilience and Determination

Ultimately, Rasmussen deserves probably the most reward.

First, for the in depth bodily work he put in, with comparisons flowing to teammate Yandy Diaz, ex-Ray Nathan Eovaldi and others in what Rays supervisor Kevin Cash calls an all-time “elite” depth of effort.

“We all the time joke on Drew that his shirt’s all the time drenched, however he’s not getting drenched watching TV and consuming a sandwich,” infielder Brandon Lowe stated. “There’s a motive why he’s drenched, why he’s all the time sweating — as a result of he’s all the time working his ass off.”

Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder stated Rasmussen confirmed nice psychological energy in dealing with his newest merciless setback.

“I don’t know that there’s greater than a handful of individuals on the market on this recreation proper now that would have put their head down and put their nostril to the grindstone and stated, ‘Look, I’m not going to simply settle for these medial elbow reconstructions as the tip of my profession,’” stated Snyder, whose personal pitching profession was minimize brief by accidents.

“I felt completely different (Wednesday) within the two innings he threw than possibly at another cut-off date in my profession as a pitching coach. Some of that’s what I’ve gone by and the character of understanding the frustration. But additionally simply the willingness to say, ‘I’m not performed but.’ … I had a tough time not getting just a little emotional.”

Current and former teammates had been equally awed.

“The work ethic that he places into it and his diligence that he does in his private care to get again on the sphere, I don’t assume anybody questioned what he could be when he comes again,” stated reliever Shawn Armstrong, who the Rays traded to the Cardinals on July 30. “For Drew to do what he’s performed, I’m tremendous completely happy for him. And everybody that’s watching the sport or is aware of Drew needs to be completely happy, too.”

Said Andrew Kittredge, one other ex-Rays reliever now with the Cardinals, “I hope that he will get what he deserves, which is success and well being, as a result of he’s type of had a tough go on that finish. It’s all the time iffy when guys have a number of arm accidents and try to return again from that, but when anyone’s going to do it it’s going to be him. With his angle and willpower, I wouldn’t be shocked if he goes on to have a really lengthy profession.”

Overcoming Major Challenges

Rasmussen underwent his first Tommy John surgical procedure in March 2016 as a sophomore at Oregon State. He got here again throwing effectively and was drafted with the thirty first general decide by the Rays in June 2017, however they declined to signal him, apparently resulting from well being considerations. He underwent a second Tommy John surgical procedure in August 2017.

He got here again from these twin crushing blows, was a sixth-round decide by the Brewers in 2018, bought to the majors in August 2020, was traded to — of all groups — the Rays in May 2021 (with reliever J.P. Feyereisen within the deal for shortstop Willy Adames) and pitched fairly effectively for some time with no arm points.

The May 11, 2023, begin at Yankee Stadium was one in every of his greatest, seven shutout innings with two hits and 7 strikeouts, which made the severity of the damage extra shocking — and irritating.

Rasmussen stated his elbow “began barking just a little bit” going through his ultimate batter, and an preliminary MRI “confirmed one thing that we didn’t need to see.” A observe up MRI a couple of weeks later confirmed the flexor tendon damage, plus a “partial” tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, which frequently results in Tommy John surgical procedure.

Only two pitchers have made it again to the majors after a 3rd Tommy John process: Jason Isringhausen and Jonny Venters (with the Rays). Dr. Keith Meister, who did Rasmussen’s second Tommy John surgical procedure, had a unique, much less traumatic thought this time.

“Drew simply was nervous to start with that he was going to have the ability to get his elbow repaired to make it what it might be,” Stevie stated. “And Dr. Meister is a few form of genius.”

Once the bodily situation was addressed, Rasmussen was going to ensure the psychological facet was taken care of. Stevie noticed his superb positivity throughout his second Tommy John rehab, which included lacking Oregon State’s 2018 nationwide championship run, and was assured he’d deal with the third rehab simply as effectively.

“He’s by no means going to really feel sorry for himself,” she stated. “He’s not going to throw the pity occasion.”

How, given all the explanations for negativity and cynicism, might he be that approach but once more?

“It’s not like there’s one reply to let you know,” Stevie stated. “It’s simply that he’s one of the best human ever. I’m not simply saying that as a result of he’s my husband. He simply is.”

Conclusion

Despite going through quite a few setbacks, Drew Rasmussen’s willpower, resilience, and unwavering help from his household, pals, and medical crew have enabled him to beat adversity and make a profitable return to the MLB. His story serves as an inspiration to many on the earth of sports activities and past.

FAQs

1. How many elbow surgical procedures has Drew Rasmussen undergone?

He has undergone three main surgical procedures on his pitching elbow in seven years.

2. Who had been among the key people who supported Rasmussen throughout his restoration?

His spouse, Stevie, his father, Mark, Rays staffers, sports activities psychologist Brian Cain, and members of his prolonged household performed essential roles in supporting him throughout his restoration.

3. What units Drew Rasmussen aside when it comes to work ethic?

Rasmussen’s dedication and depth in his bodily work have been in comparison with among the greatest within the league. His relentless effort and dedication to rehabilitation have been commendable.