# Rasmussen Sets Standard for Rays in ALDS Game 1

> Rays ace Drew Rasmussen will start Game 1 of ALDS after becoming Tampa Bay's pitching standard.
- Title: Rasmussen Sets Standard for Rays in ALDS Game 1 · Mlb
- Summary: Rays ace Drew Rasmussen will start Game 1 of ALDS after becoming Tampa Bay's pitching standard. Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen will start Game 1 of the American…
- Keywords: drew rasmussen, rays, al divsion series, game 1, pitching, consistency, tampa bay, mlb, sports, Rasmussen, Sets, Standard
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/drew-rasmussen-will-start-for-rays-in-alds-game-1
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: drew rasmussen, rays, al divsion series, game 1, pitching, consistency, tampa bay, mlb, sports
## Rasmussen's pitching reputation
Rasmussen is tremendously talented, metronomically consistent, remarkably motivated, doggedly dedicated, and incredibly underrated despite two All-Star appearances.
## Manager Cash compares Rasmussen to Halladay
Manager Kevin Cash noted Rasmussen's similarities to Hall of Famer Roy Halladay, calling it 'the highest compliment' after playing with Halladay in the early 2000s.

> the highest compliment
## Veteran Nick Martinez praises Rasmussen
Veteran starter Nick Martinez called Rasmussen 'the perfect pitcher you want to build a team around' and said he's everything the Rays want to be about.

> the perfect pitcher you want to build a team around
## Pitching coach Snyder calls him the standard
Pitching coach Kyle Snyder said Rasmussen is 'the standard' who brings it all to the table and defines success for the Rays.

> he’s the standard
## Rasmussen's stats and consistency
Rasmussen has a franchise-best 2.71 ERA and 15.8 bWAR, fourth most by a pitcher in team history, with 16 wins and 5 losses in 172 innings this season.

> franchise-best 2.71 era
## Rasmussen's preparation routine
Rasmussen follows a daily routine of waking up early, hitting the gym, and studying opponents to prepare for each game, staying consistent despite injuries and aging.

> pitching every fifth day is not a whole lot different than taking a test
## Rasmussen starts ALDS Game 1
Rasmussen will pitch Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday night at Tropicana Field after being named the Rays' standard for postseason success.
## Key takeaway

Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen will start Game 1 of the American League Division Series after being named the team's standard for consistency and preparation.