Rays’ Drew Rasmussen happy to have ‘a little bit more leash’ in starts
Rays designated hitter Yandy Díaz receives high-fives from teammates after he scores against the Astros during the first inning Wednesday.
TAMPA — Drew Rasmussen got to throw six complete innings for the first time since the May 2023 elbow injury that led to a third major surgery because he was effective and efficient in Saturday’s game against the Marlins.
But also because the Rays have loosened the restrictions on the talented right-hander based on how he handled first six weeks of the season in terms of pitching and recovery, and the regular discussions he and team officials have had.
“I think the last outing was a byproduct of the conversations,” Rasmussen said. “It’s one of those things where they are trying to protect me, and they’re trying to do what they can and try to do things in my best interest.
“So there’s going to be a little bit more leash, but not necessarily, maybe 100% freedom. Everything they do is to benefit me, which, I mean, is an amazing fact about being a part of this organization, that they care about me as an individual, and they care about me as a competitor. So just their desire to help me stay physically in the best position possible is awesome. It’s huge.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash walks back to the locker room after being ejected from Wednesday's game.
Rasmussen likely won’t be the first Rays pitcher to throw a complete game since Ryan Yarbrough did it in 2021, but he will welcome knowing he can pitch into, and maybe even past, the sixth inning.
“I’m going to make as many pitches as they let me, but it’s one of those things where, yeah, it felt good to go six (Saturday, throwing 81 pitches),” he said. “I think we’re in a really good spot right now and so excited to see what the next couple of outings bring. I’m just happy to compete and have the opportunity to throw as many pitches as they allow me.”
No word yet on Cash
An announcement could come Friday from Major League Baseball on a possible suspension for Rays manager Kevin Cash as a result of his aggressive actions in protesting an eighth-inning call in Wednesday’s game that led to his first ejection of the season.
Cash argued that the Astros shouldn’t be allowed to request a review of whether the pitch hit Yainer Diaz or his bat, since first base umpire Brian Walsh had already signaled that Diaz struck out. The review was allowed, but Diaz ended up out anyway.
Rays starter Drew Rasmussen is happy about his innings getting extended. "Theres going to be a little bit more leash, but not necessarily, maybe 100% freedom."
Milestone for Yandy Diaz
DH/first baseman Yandy Diaz, 33, on Wednesday played in his 800th career game.
Diaz, per Rays research, is the 33rd Cuban-born player to reach that milestone and the sixth active, joining Boston’s Aroldis Chapman (817), San Diego’s Yuli Gurriel (943), Los Angeles’ Jorge Soler (1,057), San Diego’s Jose Iglesias (1,213) and Boston’s Yasmani Grandal (1,307).
“I’m very happy,” said Diaz via team interpreter Eddie Rodriguez. “I still can’t believe that I’ve been playing this much time in the big leagues, and hopefully I’ll have more games to come.”
Another 800?
“I think so,” said Diaz, who debuted in 2017 with Cleveland. “Hopefully I (play) until I’m 40.”
Diaz has played 711 games for the Rays, which ranks eighth all-time (15 behind Carlos Pena).
Miscellany
Outfielder Jake Mangum (left groin strain) and reliever Kevin Kelly (left gluteal strain) were slated to shift their rehab assignments to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, but the Bulls were rained out at Worcester and will play a doubleheader Friday. ... The Blue Jays as of Thurday evening had not named a starter for Friday’s series opener. .... There will be a pre-game flyover Friday from the Coast Guard’s Clearwater Air Station to mark National Safe Boating Week.
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