Mason Englert Records First MLB Save in Rays' Sweep of Yankees

Rookie pitcher completes comeback win after veteran Drew Rasmussen's strong start.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:21am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp planes of color representing the Rays and Yankees uniforms.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic final moments as Rays rookie Mason Englert records his first MLB save against the rival Yankees.St. Petersburg Today

Rookie pitcher Mason Englert recorded his first career MLB save on Sunday, completing the Tampa Bay Rays' sweep of the New York Yankees. Englert came in to close out a 5-4 victory after veteran starter Drew Rasmussen threw six scoreless innings in his return from paternity leave.

Why it matters

The Rays' sweep of the division rival Yankees is an important early-season statement, and Englert's save in his MLB debut is a significant milestone for the young pitcher as he establishes himself at the big league level.

The details

Rasmussen, who had become a father for the second time just days earlier, was dominant in his six innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. The Rays built a 5-2 lead heading into the ninth inning, but Englert surrendered a two-run homer to Yankees star Aaron Judge before closing out the game.

  • On Tuesday, Drew Rasmussen's wife Stevie gave birth to the couple's second child.
  • On Sunday, Mason Englert recorded his first career MLB save to complete the Rays' sweep of the Yankees.

The players

Mason Englert

A 26-year-old rookie pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who recorded his first career MLB save on Sunday.

Drew Rasmussen

A veteran starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who threw six scoreless innings in his return from paternity leave on Sunday.

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who hit a two-run homer off Englert in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“I'm still coming down a little bit. I mean, just fired up with the win and to sweep the series. I'll appreciate (the save).”

— Mason Englert

What’s next

The Rays will look to build on their strong start to the season as they continue their homestand, while Englert will aim to build on his first career save.

The takeaway

Englert's first MLB save capped off an impressive week for the Rays, who swept their division rivals the Yankees behind strong pitching performances from both their veteran and rookie hurlers.