Rasmus started Thursday's game at Texas, allowing a run on two hits over 3.1 innings. He struck out three, throwing 49 pitches. Rasmus isn't stretched out, so it's not a surprise that the Angels turned to the bullpen early. The 26-year old righty is scheduled to make two starts next week, but it's hard to imagine him pitching five innings to even have a shot at a win. Thus, he's really not a viable fantasy option, even in a desperate situation.

Rasmus allowed two runs on two hits in 1.2 innings against the Twins on Saturday. He walked three and did not strike out a batter in the contest. Any hope of Rasmus being stretched out to add value as a starter down the stretch were likely dashed Saturday, as he was pulled after just 36 pitches. The 26-year-old could be a candidate to begin another contest on the mound for the Halos this week, but it would almost certainly be a bullpen game after Rasmus was unable to get out of the second inning Saturday.

Rasmus has been confirmed as the starter for Saturday's game against the Twins, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. Rather than call upon an unproven starting pitcher to fill in for the injured Garrett Richards, the Angels plan to go with an group of long relievers to cover nine innings on days Rasmus starts for the rest of the season. The 26-year-old was spectacular his last time out in limiting the Athletics to one hit over three innings while striking out six, but the Angels' unwillingness to let Rasmus work deep into games will make it difficult for him to gather wins.

Rasmus was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports. After tossing three strong innings in an abbreviated start last week, Rasmus is expected to take the ball again Saturday against the Twins. Because Rasmus has been pitching in relief all season and hasn't been properly stretched out as a starter, the Angels will attempt to get by with multiple long men working out of the bullpen on the days he starts. As a byproduct of his short outings, wins will be difficult to come by for Rasmus, even as he continues to pitch effectively.

Rasmus was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday, MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports. Rasmus will rejoin the Angels on Tuesday, when Salt Lake's season will come to an end. Making the first start of his MLB career Saturday, Rasmus was superb, striking out six batters over three shutout innings. Since he previously worked exclusively in relief all season, it could take him another start or two before he's cleared to cover 100 pitches in an outing. Nonetheless, Saturday's sterling performance puts him in prime position to permanently claim the vacancy in the rotation that has existed since Garrett Richards suffered a season-ending knee injury last week. Rasmus' next start will likely come over the weekend against the Twins.

Rasmus pitched three scoreless innings while striking out six and allowing just one hit against the A's on Saturday. Rasmus pitched close to as well as he possibly could Saturday, but the 26-year-old is not stretched out as a starter, meaning that he was only able to throw 49 pitches in the outing. This leaves some uncertainty as to who will occupy the slot during the next turn, but Rasmus certainly did all he could to get another shot Saturday against the Twins.

Rasmus will start Saturday against the A's, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Rasmus will be the next arm to attempt to get outs in place of Garrett Richards (knee), who will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Rasmus hasn't made a start in professional baseball in more than three years, but it doesn't seem as though he will have a specific pitch count, as manager Mike Scioscia said he will "go as far as he can" in the contest.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia named Rasmus as a candidate to start Saturday against the A's, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports. Garrett Richards' injury has created an opening in the Angels' rotation, and it sounds like there's an outside chance Rasmus gets the call for his first career start. However, Fletcher speculates Randy Wolf and Michael Roth are more likely candidates, with Rasmus having not thrown more than 51 pitches in an outing this season. It's also possible the Angels could acquire a starter via trade to make that start.

Angels recalled RHP Cory Rasmus from Triple-A Salt Lake. Rasmus has posted a 3.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 15 innings with the Angels this season. He figures to be utilized in middle relief.

Angels optioned RHP Cory Rasmus to Triple-A Salt Lake. Rasmus was needed as a seventh arm in the Angels' bullpen, prior to Saturday. He has a 3.00 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP with 12 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched with the Angles this year. He may have another chance later in the season.