What happened: Rasmussen built on five shutout frames in Sunday's playoff outing by getting a seventh-inning double play to reach 21 outs. He recorded four strikeouts and allowed just one baserunner across his first 40 pitches.

Why it matters: Length from the rotation has anchored his October run after Rasmussen carried a Division Series no-hit bid into the eighth inning earlier this month. Covering seven innings limits bullpen exposure in late-series postseason play.

What to watch: Postseason workload limits will dictate whether Rasmussen returns for the eighth frame or hands the ball to the relief corps.