The New York Yankees are the most recognizable brand in baseball and boast a tremendous starting pitching trio. The Boston Red Sox broke out of the morgue and put together one of the greatest six-week stretches in MLB history. While fans mapped out a collision course between these two iconic franchises, all the Tampa Bay Rays did was set the standard in the American League. Much like his team, Drew Rasmussen has been similarly overlooked this season.
Cam Schlittler is the undisputed AL Cy Young, but the Rays ace still deserves more shine for the consistent excellence he displays on the mound. When healthy, Rasmussen has been one of the top hurlers in the Junior Circuit since he joined the franchise in May of 2021. He added to his impressive résumé on Tuesday night, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning and leading Tampa Bay (96-61) to a division-clinching 6-1 road victory over the Yankees.
The two-time All-Star gave shoutouts throughout the organization, while also keeping an eye on what lies ahead.
“A lot of time, a lot of effort, it took an army that's for sure,” Rasmussen told Lauren Shehadi after the Rays claimed their first AL East title in five years. “Our front office put a great group together, the analytics department really helps us day in and day out and guys have grinded all year for this. We're excited to celebrate, we know this is not the finish line, but it's been a long, hard year and we fought every single day.”
Article Continues Below.@LaurenShehadi talks with Drew Rasmussen about how the Rays got back on top in the AL East 💪 pic.twitter.com/1lxRPTSUVk
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) September 23, 2026
There are many individuals who deserve copious praise for this milestone achievement, including MVP candidate Junior Caminero, Nick Martinez, Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda and Bryan Baker, to name a few, but Drew Rasmussen could determine this squad's October ceiling more than anyone. In an AL loaded with impactful starters, Tampa's ace has the power to push the Rays closer toward their third-ever World Series appearance. He certainly looks ready to take on that challenge.
The 31-year-old righty allowed one run on one hit to go with 11 strikeouts and three walks in 6 2/3 innings pitched versus the Yankees, maintaining his splendid September form. He knows there is a possibility that he will have to brave The Bronx again in the near future.
“Kudos to these guys, there's a chance we're seeing them here in about a week,” Rasmussen said.
No. 57 will take a stellar stat line that includes a 2.67 ERA, 174 Ks and a 0.91 WHIP into the final series of the regular season. He will probably pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies and then wait to see who the Rays host in Game 1 of the AL Division Series.