Tampa Bay Rays select RHP Drew Rasmussen 31st overall in 2017 MLB Draft

With the No. 31 pick in the draft, the Rays selected right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen from Oregon State.

Rasmussen, 21, only has 21 2/3 innings under his belt this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Those innings have been very good, though, with a 0.83 ERA and 22 strikeouts to just five walks.

Prior to his elbow injury, Rasmussen made 25 appearances (20 starts) in two seasons for the Beavers, including throwing a perfect game in his freshman season. In 143 innings, he had a 2.96 ERA with 124 strikeouts and 40 walks.

Rasmussen was previously drafted by Arizona in the 39th round in 2014 but obviously did not sign. He went on to have an impressive freshman season for the Beavers, earning a spot on the Pac-12 first team and Freshman All-American honors from several sources. That season, he was a key member of Oregon State’s postseason team that ultimately lost in a regional.

After that season, he threw 6 1/3 innings for the Team USA Collegiate National Team but is puzzling not listed as an alumni on the former player page.

In 2016, he became the team’s ace and pitched well through two months before going down with his injury.

Like No. 4 selection Brendan McKay, Rays fans will have a chance to see Rasmussen in action in Omaha at the College World Series. The No. 1-ranked Beavers continue their championship chase Saturday against Cal State Fullerton.