Rays’ Drew Rasmussen making his pitch for joining AL All-Star team

BALTIMORE — There has been talk around the Rays about four position players being deserving of at least consideration for spots on the American League All-Star team — Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe.

How about Drew Rasmussen?

He’ll take the Steinbrenner Field mound Monday with a 2.45 ERA that ranks seventh in the league, a 0.96 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) that is sixth and a .204 opponents average that is sixth. His seven wins are tied for 10th most.

Plus, he’s done all that as a starter after returning from a third major elbow surgery, which is somewhat unprecedented.

“It’d be a really cool opportunity,” Rasmussen said. “I think I’ve said it a couple times — it’s still a little ways away, so it’s not necessarily in the forefront of my mind.

“But it would be a true honor. It would be really special. And if it happens, that’d be really cool. But if not, we’ve got the opportunity to do something special with our own season here.”

Pitchers, like reserves, are chosen by a combination of the players’ vote and selection by Major League Baseball, which has to make sure all teams are represented. Those names will be revealed next Sunday. MLB also chooses replacements for injured and non-participating All-Stars.

“I think (Rasmussen) deserves it,” manager Kevin Cash said. “I hope that he’s in strong consideration. I know starting pitchers get there a little differently, but Rass, his overall body of work in this first half has been very impressive.

“I hope for all of our guys that are in consideration that they get highly considered, because they’ve performed like All-Stars.”

Hey, you look familiarThe Rays traded Jeffrey Springs to the A’s in December in a deal that brought promising starter Joe Boyle to Tampa Bay. [ DANIEL HEUER/DHEUER@SACBEE.COM | TNS ]

Two pitchers traded by the Rays in December — Jacob Lopez and Jeffrey Springs — will start for the A’s in the first two games of the series.

Lopez was only a bit player with the Rays, making two starts and pitching in eight games over parts of 2023-24.

But Springs was a key part of the Rays staff from 2021 until his April 2023 elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. He then returned in July 2024.

“I love it. I’m so excited to see him,” said Rasmussen. “I’m sure he’s excited to get back and see everyone as well. He’s a great friend, first and foremost. … I can’t wait to watch him pitch on the other side. But also just to catch up and see how his family and him are doing and just get to see everyone. And just say hello and let them know we miss them.”

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Brandon Lowe said he and Springs used to spend time during spring drills discussing what it would be like to face each other. He hopes to get the chance Tuesday.

“We were really good friends,” Lowe said. “We joked around that he was going to do this, I was going to do that. I look forward to getting to face him. He’s a great arm up there on the mound. You know he’ll do his homework and be prepared to face us, and we’ll do the same. It’ll just be that kind of friendly competition between him and us.”

Catcher Danny Jansen is new to the Rays but also looking forward to meeting Springs, as he’s renting his St. Petersburg house for the season. “I’ve heard he’s a great guy,” Jansen said.

The Rays traded Lopez and Springs for promising starter Joe Boyle, first base prospect Will Simpson, minor-league pitcher Jacob Watters and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick (No. 42 overall).

Cash said Springs did a lot of good things with the Rays.

“He really turned himself into an established big-league pitcher, (and) dominant,” Cash said. “I’m happy for the success that he had for us. It was tough to see him go. Understand he’s in a good spot over there, and he’s had a good season (6-6, 4.30 ERA). He’ll certainly be challenging to face him. Quality teammate, quality person.”

Coming events

Rays players and their families will visit the St. Petersburg Ronald McDonald House on Monday and Tuesday, serving lunch and packing snack kits. … Albert Garcia is the Rays winner of the league-wide Home Run Service Award, presented to a game-day staffer who goes “above and beyond to provide exceptional service and create memorable experiences for fans.” … Two recipients of the inaugural Dave Wills Scholarships will be honored before Tuesday’s game. The Rays established the program in honor of Wills, their longtime radio announcer who died in March 2023 at age 58. It recognizes high school seniors in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties who intend to major in communications and pursue a sports broadcasting career. Wills’ wife, Liz, and daughter, Michelle, will attend the ceremony.

Miscellany

Lowe extended his hitting streak to a career-high 16 games and his on-base streak to 18. Aranda’s steaks ended at 13 and 16. Diaz extended his on-base streak to 23. … Ha-Seong Kim (right shoulder surgery rehab) went 1-for-4 while playing shortstop for Triple-A Durham and is hitting .194 in 20 games. … Of some note, Boyle worked behind an opener Sunday, allowing two runs over five innings, striking out eight. … Principal owner Stuart Sternberg and his wife, Lisa, attended the game. … Third baseman Junior Caminero got the day off.

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