Drew Rasmussen named Opening Day starter by Rays

Field Level Media|published: Thu 19th February, 11:42 2026

Sep 13, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays will hand the ball to right-hander Drew Rasmussen on Opening Day.

Manager Kevin Cash told reporters Thursday at spring training in Port Charlotte, Fla., that it was "a pretty easy call" to start Rasmussen against the Cardinals in St. Louis on March 26.

Rasmussen finished the 2025 season with a 10-5 record and a 2.76 ERA in 31 starts. He was selected to the American League All-Star team.

The 30-year-old is a story of perseverance.

He was put on the 60-day injured list with an elbow injury in May 2023 and returned to the Rays in August 2024 after undergoing his third major elbow surgery.

Rasmussen has a career record of 30-17 in 130 appearances (81 starts) and two saves with the Brewers (2020-21) and Rays, who acquired him in the May 2021 trade that sent Willy Adames to Milwaukee.

Other likely members of the starting rotation are Shane McClanahan, Steven Matz, Ryan Pepiot and Nick Martinez.

--Field Level Media

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