PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – There is an unusual propensity surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays, these days. Of those “penciled” as starters in the rotation, about one-third have recently undergone Tommy John surgery.
Among these three, lefty Shane McClanahan, and righties Shane Baz and Drew Rasmussen are attempting to respond from physical maladies and body trauma. In their initial starts this spring, McClanahan, considered the titular head of the rotation, and Baz have, collectively, pitched effectively. In the process, each drew praise from field manager Kevin Cash for the courage of their comeback and the potential to make this group of starters productive.
Now, it was Rasmussen’s turn, and the last of Tampa Bay starters to start a spring game in 2025.
Each Baz and Rasmussen began their return late last season. McClanahan has not pitched since Aug. 2, 2023 and that’s when he dropped a 7-2 decision to the New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium.
Initially, Rasmussen compiled an impressive 16-7 record with Tampa in parts of two seasons (2022, 2023) and that following a trade from Milwaukee. Then, a significant setback and Rasmussen suffered from right elbow flexor strain in May, 2023. An MRI revealed damage, and the diagnosis evolved into Tommy John surgery.
Attempting to respond from his medical procedure, Rasmussen, who will be 30 years old on July 2, appeared in 16 games last season and engaged in four starts. In those 16 games, he compiled 28.2 innings, dropped two decisions but turned in a creditable 2.83 ERA. The limited amount of innings was a testament to Cash and Kyle Snyder, the Rays’ pitching coach, in their careful approach to Rasmussen’s activity.
On March 3, Rasmussen started his initial game of the spring against Atlanta, and his strong outing created a comfort zone from which to build. That followed consecutive starts from Baz and McClanahan and marked the first time in nearly three years the trio appeared in succession through major league competition.
“I was lucky enough to see both Shanes in 2021 and just seeing what those guys could do is special in their own ways,” Rasmussen said after that initial start of the spring. “I know the work they have put in to get back to this point. So, the opportunity for the three of us to be back in this rotation is terrific. When we’re healthy together, those guys again are truly special. I’m excited to see what they do and I’m excited to be along the ride with them. I’m really excited what this group can do.”
If Rasmussen’s outing against the Braves is any indication and foreshadows what the future may hold, the potential of several Cy Young candidates on the same staff looms.
In exercising the game plan for two innings, Rasmussen came out and threw bullets. Though taken aback by his first pitch of the spring, the power right-hander responded with two stellar frames.
After second baseman Ozzie Albies lined Rasmussen’s first pitch into right field for a leadoff single, a significant response followed. Michael Harris II then grounded into a double play. Facing Marcell Ozuna, the ensuring hitter, Rasmussen reached back and hit the radar gun with 96 and 97 mile-per-hour fast balls. That induced Ozuna to line weakly to first.
“Things went well,” was Rasmussen’s observation. “Need to sharpen two-strike execution. If that’s my biggest complaint, we’re in a very good spot. Thought for the most part the stuff was pretty good today.”
The prospect of a healthy McClanahan, Baz and Rasmussen, with Taj Bradley (who hit 98 on the radar gun in his first spring start) and the experience of Ryan Pepiot coming back, all puts the Rays in an enviable position.
“I think there are two potential Cy Youngs here and that’s if they stay healthy,” said Brandon Lowe, the Rays’ second baseman. “If guys pitch to their capabilities, this is potentially the best starting rotation in baseball. If you look at the six guys (add Zack Littell), there is not one person I would not want to rule out.”
For his initial spring effort against Atlanta, Rasmussen went two innings, tossed 29 pitches (18 for strikes), walked one and struck out no batters.
Plus, the Rays bullpen has the opportunity to be as effective as the starters. Synder and Cash have constructed a bullpen that is heavy in the back end with closer Pete Fairbanks and capable set-up relievers in Mason Montgomery, Edwin Uceta, Garett Cleavinger, Alex Faedo, Hunter Bigge, Kevin Kelly and Eric Orze.
Rays extend Diaz … While there may be lingering health issues, the Rays believe that Yandy Diaz’s bat remains strong and healthy. With use between first base and the designated hitter ahead, the Rays decided to keep Diaz’s lumber in the lineup. As a result, the club picked up Diaz’s option for the 2026 season, which is reported to have a value of $12 million. There is also an option for the 2027 season. Diaz is coming off a 2024 season where he hit .281 in 145 games. That was behind an American League-leading batting average of .330 in the prior season.
Opening day pitching match-up … a pair of left-handers will open the season March 28 in George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The Rays will go with Shane McClelland to oppose the Colorado Rockies. McClelland is coming off Tommy John surgery last season and effectively shut down … Rockies’ manager Bud Black will counter with Kyle Freeland, who makes his fourth career opening day start. Beginning his ninth season in the majors, Freeland has only one winning season (17-7 in 2018). For his career, all with the Rockies, he’s posted a 60-73 record in 200 starts and a career 4.48 ERA. … the Rockies help the Rays open their home season with a three-game, weekend set and that is followed by three with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
