Mariners News: Angels Claim M’s Rob Rasmussen

Today, left handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen was claimed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The Seattle Mariners designated Rasmussen for assignment when they signed free agent closer Steve Cishek.  He had been traded to Seattle with two other pitchers from the Toronto Blue Jays for Mark Lowe.

The 26 year old pitcher was not a member of the Seattle Mariners for very long.  The 5-foot-10 left hander posted a 10.67 ERA, a 2.30 WHIP, and a 2.0 strikeout to walk ratio in 14.1 innings with the Mariners in 2015. His Minor League career numbers are very good at 3.71 ERA and 1.336 WHIP with a 1.96 strikeout to walk ratio.  Not incredibly effective but he has had some success.  He has a history of success including a 17-0 record while pitching three teams to the Babe Ruth world series.  This is a return home for the left handed hurler.  He is a native of Arcadia California and pitched for the UCLA Bruins where he also had plenty of success.

Some might read through these stories of various players being claimed.  But the reality is that this change of location and organization is a major change for players.  It’s like finding a new job with new coworkers and bosses in a completely different city or group of cities.  More than anything it’s a new opportunity with a different organization.  Rob didn’t fit into Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Dipoto’s plans, but that doesn’t mean he won’t find success somewhere else.