Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen late scratch vs. Cubs

Tampa Bay will cover Tuesday's game with a bullpen day as right-hander Mason Englert will be the probable starter.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:06am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange, representing the fractured motion of a baseball pitcher, conveying the unpredictable nature of the sport.A fragmented, abstract depiction of a pitcher's motion captures the unexpected challenges and adjustments teams must make during the long baseball season.Chicago Today

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen will not start Tuesday's home game against the Chicago Cubs after his wife went into early labor. Rasmussen, 30, had been scheduled to make his third start of the season after he fashioned a 1.80 ERA in 10 combined innings over the first two outings.

Why it matters

Rasmussen has been a key part of the Rays' starting rotation, making the American League All-Star team last season. His unexpected absence will force the team to rely on its bullpen to cover the game against the Cubs.

The details

The Rays are expected to cover Tuesday's game with a bullpen day as right-hander Mason Englert will be the probable starter, the Tampa Bay Times reported. In seven major league seasons, Rasmussen is 30-17 with a 2.87 ERA in 132 appearances (83 starts) for the Milwaukee Brewers (2020-21) and the Rays.

  • Rasmussen's wife went into early labor on Tuesday, leading to his late scratch.

The players

Drew Rasmussen

A 30-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who was scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Cubs before his wife went into early labor.

Mason Englert

The right-hander who will be the probable starter for the Rays on Tuesday as they cover the game with a bullpen day.

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The takeaway

Rasmussen's unexpected absence will force the Rays to rely on their bullpen to cover the game against the Cubs, testing the team's depth and adaptability as they navigate the early part of the season.