Rays have 'most underrated' All-Star starting pitcher in MLB according to ESPN

ESPN s David Schoenfield has declared that the Tampa Bay Rays possess the most underrated All-Star starting pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). The pitcher in question is Tampa Bay’s own, Drew Rasmussen. Rasmussen is currently leading the league with an impressive 11-5 record and a stellar 2.75 ERA over 22 starts. ESPN’s Schoenfield believes this pitching ace could very well be the most underrated starter in the entire MLB.

Rasmussen’s performance has been equally impressive in recent seasons, having secured his second consecutive All-Star selection. His talent has quietly propelled him into the ranks of the sport’s top pitchers. However, his workload has been particularly demanding this season, with the Rays pushing him to the limit. Rasmussen has thrown only 73.1 innings in 2023-24, thanks to a right elbow flexor strain and a subsequent internal brace procedure.

Given the pressure of a tight division race and the desire to avoid a wild-card series, the Rays have been relentless in their pursuit of victory. Consequently, Rasmussen has been placed on the mound with a limited four or five-day rest period in most of his appearances. The team’s priority is to keep their ace healthy for the postseason, as they are fully invested in winning the division title and avoiding the wild-card round.

As the regular season winds down, the Rays will undoubtedly closely monitor Rasmussen’s workload. His value to the team is paramount, and they are determined to keep this ace on the mound for as long as possible before the postseason begins.