Could Drew Rasmussen factor into the Brewers bullpen in 2020?

The Milwaukee Brewers have been known to start young arms in their bullpen. Could Drew Rasmussen follow Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes’ path to the Majors?

The more time spent looking at the 2020 Milwaukee Brewers bullpen situation, the harder it gets to see any of the names on the depth chart really working out. Josh Hader will close. Corey Knebel will return. Beyond that? Who knows how the bullpen will shake out in 2020. If the options currently listed don’t work out, the team could always turn to one of its top prospects to add stability to the bullpen. There’s a non-zero chance that Drew Rasmussen works his way into a job on the active roster.

How did Rasmussen perform in 2020?

Rasmussen split the 2019 season between three levels of the Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league system. He spent time in Single-A, High-A, and Double-A before the end of the year.

Rasmussen made four starts and 23 relief appearances last year, and posted a 3.15 ERA in 74 1/3 total innings. He logged 96 strikeouts, walked 31, and was tagged for only four homers.

Why did Rasmussen miss the 2018 season?

Rasmussen needed Tommy John surgery after the 2017 season. It’s the reason he slid to the sixth round of the 2018 draft.

He’s healthy now?

Rasmussen flew through three minor league levels in 2019, so, yes, he appears to be healthy.

What’s the next step for Rasmussen?

Rasmussen is a non-roster invitee to Spring Training, and will likely get a decent look before getting reassigned to minor league camp. It wouldn’t be a huge shock to see Rasmussen start the 2020 season in Triple-A if he looks capable during the Spring. If he struggles, he’ll likely start they year back in Double-A.

What will have to happen for Rasmussen to make the Majors?

Rasmussen will need to survive the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League in Triple-A, and have multiple guys on the 40-man roster struggle.

Rasmussen isn’t on the Brewers’ 40-man roster, so he’ll have to get added. That would require someone to get designated for assignment. The team has multiple DFA candidates, and it shouldn’t be a challenge for the team to find room for Rasmussen on the active roster if they think he’s ready. Rasmussen will turn 25 years old before the end of the 2020 season, and the time is now for him to get started on his Major League career. There’s a solid chance that he’ll get his shot before Game 162 gets played this year.