Rays Shouldn't Have Much Debate About Their Game 1 Starter

Drew Rasmussen has earned the opportunity to start Game 1 for the Tampa Bay Rays in the postseason.

At this point, I'm not sure there's much debate.

Rasmussen was outstanding once again on Saturday night as the Rays took down the Texas Rangers 6-3 in extra innings.

The right-hander went seven innings, allowing only one earned run and three hits while striking out seven and not allowing a walk.

It was just another great outing in what has become an incredible season for Rasmussen.

And more importantly, he's been the pitcher Tampa Bay can consistently count on.

The Rays have dealt with plenty of changes in their starting rotation throughout the season.

Shane McClanahan is back on the injured list. Hopefully not for long.

Freddy Peralta has started to find his groove after being acquired at the trade deadline, but still needs some time to be trusted.

Nick Martinez has been one of the most consistent pitchers on the roster; however, Rasmussen continues to make his case.

If the Rays started the MLB Postseason tomorrow, Rasmussen should get the baseball in Game 1.

And if Tampa Bay continues advancing, that shouldn't change in the ALCS or potentially even the World Series.

He has simply earned it, and the fact that this is a conversation reminds us how underrated he is seen around the league.

The good news is Tampa Bay continues to find more pitching help behind him as well.

Tyler Wells might be turning into one of the most important additions the Rays made at the trade deadline.

With Bryan Baker unavailable and the bullpen already being tested, Wells was asked to get the final six outs Saturday.

He delivered.

Wells threw two scoreless innings, struck out three, and didn't even allow the automatic runner to score in the bottom of the 10th inning.

And Wells isn't the only deadline addition making an impact.

Liam Hicks delivered another important hit Saturday with an RBI single in the eighth inning.

Both Hicks and Wells have gone from being deadline additions to players Kevin Cash can trust in important situations. If Peralta can get there, Erik Neander could be heavily praised for his moves this past deadline in a big way.

The Rays are trying to finish off an American League East title before worrying about what their postseason rotation will look like.

But when that time comes, Tampa Bay has plenty of options.

For Game 1, though?

Rasmussen has made that decision pretty easy.