ST. PETERSBURG – Last summer, Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen faced some challenging days as he prepared for a third major surgery on his pitching elbow in seven years.
“There aren’t many pitchers with three elbow surgeries who are still in the majors, so that fear understandably affected him,” said Rasmussen’s wife, Stevie. “When the doctors tell you, ‘We’ll try, but there’s no guaranteed outcome,’ it’s unsettling.”
However, after his July 2023 surgery, which involved repairing Rasmussen’s flexor tendon and adding an internal brace (but not a third Tommy John surgery), it was clear Rasmussen, a 2014 Mt. Spokane High School graduate, was determined to make a full comeback during his year-long rehab.
“Once he committed to rehab, his mental strength kicked in,” Stevie said from Seattle last week. “He was going to push forward until someone told him he couldn’t. Fortunately, we never reached that point. He just kept moving forward. It would take someone saying, ‘You’re done,’ for him to stop, but he wasn’t going to give up.”
Rasmussen, 29, made a successful return to the mound a week ago in St. Louis, retiring all six batters he faced and throwing a 98.7 mph fastball. He expressed gratitude to many people who supported him, starting with his wife, Stevie, who stood by him through the challenges, providing constant support and motivation with their nearly 2-year-old son, Rhett.
“My wife’s been through this as much as I have,” he said. “She and our son inspire me every day, making it easier to stay motivated during the grind of rehab.”
Rasmussen’s work ethic was shaped by his father, Mark, a middle school teacher and coach in North Spokane, who instilled a strong sense of dedication. The Rays’ coaching, training, and rehab staff played a crucial role in his recovery, while the organization remained committed to his successful return.
Sports psychologist Brian Cain, whom Rasmussen began working with after his May 2023 injury, also played a key role, helping him focus on what he could control. His extended family and others who share his strong religious faith offered further support during his recovery.
“I’m fortunate to have such a strong support system,” Rasmussen said. “God has put so many good people in my life who are always there for me. Leaning on others when you need them is not just the easy answer, but the truest one.”
Rasmussen’s determination and hard work earned him praise from teammates and coaches. Rays manager Kevin Cash compared his intense effort to that of teammates Yandy Diaz and Nathan Eovaldi, highlighting his relentless work ethic.
“We always joke that Drew’s shirt is always drenched, but it’s not from sitting around watching TV,” infielder Brandon Lowe said. “He’s always sweating because he’s always working hard.”
Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder, whose own career was cut short by injuries, admired Rasmussen’s mental resilience.
“There are only a few players in the game who could have faced this challenge and refused to let it end their careers,” Snyder said. “Seeing him pitch again was emotional for me because I understand the disappointment and the determination it took for him to get here.”
Current and former teammates were equally impressed.
“The way Drew worked to get back on the field is incredible,” said reliever Shawn Armstrong. “No one doubted he would succeed, and everyone who knows him should be happy for him.”
Andrew Kittredge, a former Rays teammate now with the Cardinals, added, “Drew deserves success and health after what he’s been through. It’s rare for a player to come back from multiple arm injuries, but with his attitude and determination, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a long career ahead.”
Rasmussen had his first Tommy John surgery in March 2016 as a sophomore at Oregon State. He recovered and was drafted 31st overall by the Rays in June 2017, but they didn’t sign him due to health concerns. He then underwent a second Tommy John surgery in August 2017.
Despite these setbacks, Rasmussen was drafted in the sixth round by the Brewers in 2018, made his MLB debut in August 2020, and was traded to the Rays in May 2021. He pitched well until his May 11, 2023, start at Yankee Stadium, where he threw seven shutout innings before the severity of his elbow injury became apparent.
Rasmussen’s elbow began to bother him during his final batter, and an MRI revealed a flexor tendon injury and a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament. However, Dr. Keith Meister, who performed Rasmussen’s second Tommy John surgery, suggested a different approach that didn’t involve a third Tommy John procedure.
“Drew was initially worried about whether his elbow could be fully repaired,” Stevie said. “But Dr. Meister is a genius.”
With the physical issue addressed, Rasmussen focused on his mental recovery. Having seen his positive attitude during his second Tommy John rehab, which included missing Oregon State’s 2018 national championship run, Stevie was confident he would handle the third rehab just as well.
“He never feels sorry for himself,” she said. “He doesn’t throw pity parties.”
When asked how he maintained such a positive outlook despite the challenges, Stevie responded, “There’s no single answer. It’s just who he is. He’s the best person ever, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my husband.”
