Fastball, changeup, and slider. Don’t forget the high heat too. That is what impressed the Milwaukee Brewers most with right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen. The 2018 sixth-round draft pick has the chance to make the big league squad this season.
Overcoming Injuries while writing History
As a freshman at Oregon State University, Drew Rasmussen pitched the program’s only perfect game. Despite his success throughout his college career, his first Tommy John surgery came after his sophomore season. The following February, Rasmussen took the mound for the Beavers. His Tommy John surgery, without a doubt, didn’t stop him from having a spectacular 2017 season. In eight appearances he recorded a solid 1.00 ERA and allowed only six runs.
In the past, Rasmussen was used as a starter and reliever which makes him a versatile player for manager Craig Counsell. The assets Rasmussen carries can definitely excel the Brewers pitching staff. However, he had a second Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the whole 2018 season. That didn’t stop Rasmussen, though. The fact that he had two surgeries didn’t deter the Brewers away from drafting a hard-throwing reliever with experience as a starter. As a matter of fact, he did pitch the majority of 2019 in Double-A Biloxi, so his major league debut is well within reach.
Rasmussen was at Spring Training before the shutdown, and out of a group of nine was the only to return to Summer Camp at Miller Park. The statistics from his three minor league stints weren’t eye-catching.
Impressing the Major League squad
Rasmussen is a hard-thrower which is what impresses the Brewers so much. His three pitch specialty, a changeup and slider that both vary in the high 80s to mid 90s range, and lastly a fastball that reaches 100 mph. Undoubtedly, Rasmussen has potential to shine in high leverage situations with his mix of pitches. With the shortened schedule of 60 games, this is an opportunity for Counsell to find the best fit for the right-handed reliever. If Rasmussen misses the chance at a 40-man roster spot, then he will be optioned back to the alternate camp in Appleton.
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