Rasmus, Duffy due back soon. Boxberger heads to the 60-day.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Rays began the season with a crowded disabled list. From prized free agent pick ups like LF Colby Rasmus and C Wilson Ramos to oft-injured SS Matt Duffy and P Brad Boxberger. Throw in P Nathan Eovaldi, who wasn’t expected to play at all in 2017, and Rule 5 pick up, P Kevin Gadea, also on the 60-day DL. Then there’s P Shawn Tolleson, who landed on the 60-day, himself.
During the three-game sweep the Rays suffered in New York this week, 1B Rickie Weeks Jr and OF Mallex Smith also suffered injuries. Weeks collided with Yankees OF Brett Gardner at first base and appears to be okay. Smith, however, was placed on the 10-day DL Friday morning. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rays selected OF Shane Peterson and sent Boxberger to the 60-day DL.
#Rays put Mallex Smith on 10-day DL, call up OF Shane Peterson from AAA. Move Boxberger to 60-day DL to make 40-man room for Peterson
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 14, 2017
Now for the good news.
Duffy has begun running and resuming baseball activities this week. He’s on the 10-day DL which could mean a rehab assignment is coming in the next week or two. INF Tim Beckham or SS Daniel Robertson are the likely candidates to be sent down when Duffy is ready.
OF Peter Bourjos and Peterson will get majority of the playing time in left with Smith now on the DL. That is, until Rasmus returns. After a collision in the outfield during a minor league game last week, Rasmus should play a few more rehab games this week. His return could come as soon as the Astros series at Tropicana Field next weekend.
