TAMPA — Tampa Bay Rays All-Star pitcher Drew Rasmussen is approaching his 22nd start with a mix of emotions, as the team navigates significant roster shifts and challenges. Following the MLB Trade Deadline, the Rays lost critical teammates Danny Jansen and Zack Littell, altering the clubhouse dynamic just as they prepare for an important series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Emotional Impact of Recent Trades
Rasmussen expressed deep sadness over the departures, reflecting on the close relationships formed beyond the field.
“It’s sad, you know, you build relationships with people,”
Rasmussen said ahead of the Rays’ Friday game against the Dodgers. These connections extended to their families as well, making the trades personally difficult for him.
He highlighted the bond shared among their children, saying,
“I’m thinking about my son and the fact that Miles, Wyatt and Drew are some of his closest friends, and so to see Danny and Zack leave, quite frankly, they’re some of my best friends in this game and in this locker room. It’s heartbreaking.”
Looking at the Positive Side of the Roster Moves
Despite the loss of key players, Rasmussen sees hope in the team’s efforts to strengthen through trades and acquisitions.
“On the flip side, there is definitely a positive to pieces that we also acquired and doing our best to strengthen our roster and give us the best possible chance to compete and find ourselves in the postseason in October,”
he said.
The Rays face a challenging road ahead as they strive to secure a playoff spot. After a tough July with just seven wins — the lowest in Major League Baseball that month — Tampa Bay started August with a 5-0 loss to the Dodgers. Sitting with a 54-57 overall record, the Rays currently hold seventh place in the wild card standings.
Rasmussen’s Strategy Against the Dodgers’ Power Lineup
In Saturday’s upcoming matchup, Rasmussen will face the Dodgers’ formidable batting order, which ranks second in the league for both home runs (164) and RBIs (553). Despite the challenge, Rasmussen remains confident in sticking to his established pitching approach.
“I don’t feel like the game plan changes a whole lot,”
he explained.
“You have individual scouting reports and how you want to attack individuals, but overall, I think the game plan is always the same.”
So far, Dodgers’ hitters are 7-for-34 (.206 batting average) against Rasmussen, who holds an 8-5 record with a 2.96 ERA. He emphasized the importance of an aggressive and consistent pitching style.
“I think there are certain processes that maximize the possibility of having a successful outcome: Being aggressive early in counts and filling up the strike zone.”
Upcoming Pitching Matchup Highlights
For the series, Rasmussen will duel against former Rays left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, who currently owns a 1-0 record and a 2.00 ERA. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 1:10 p.m. ET, marking a key moment for the Rays as they attempt to rebound from recent setbacks and injuries.
Rays’ Roster Struggles Amid Injuries and Trades
The team continues to face adversity beyond the trade deadline. All-Star Jonathan Aranda suffered a fractured left wrist on Thursday in New York, sidelining an important contributor for at least three weeks. Additionally, Tampa Bay traded José Caballero to the New York Yankees before the deadline, further altering the team’s lineup. Compounding these challenges, the Rays lost three vital players to injury during their recent game, tests that will demand adaptability and resilience from the team moving forward.
Looking Ahead for the Tampa Bay Rays
As the Rays confront this difficult stretch, performance from Drew Rasmussen and other key players will prove critical to their hopes of reaching the postseason. The combination of roster turnover, injury recovery, and on-field competition against a powerful Dodgers lineup underscores a pivotal moment in Tampa Bay’s season. How the team adjusts and regroups in the coming weeks will likely determine their playoff chances heading into October.