Key players starting 2017 on the DL
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – Every team in Major League Baseball has injuries. It’s part of the game. However for the Rays, it seems a bit more frequent in recent years. Alex Cobb missed nearly two full seasons recovering from Tommy John. Kevin Kiermaier and Steven Souza Jr haven’t put together full seasons, yet. SS Matt Duffy has not seen any significant time with the team since being brought over in the trade for Matt Moore last year.
Opening Day is Sunday. The New York Yankees will be coming to town for a three-game series to kick off the 2017 season. Here is the likely infirmary report that Kevin Cash will announce this weekend:
RHP Brad Boxberger – It’s already been said he won’t be ready for Opening Day. He’s had some soreness in his back that’s lingered. Likely return is April, however. (10-day DL)
SS Matt Duffy – He hasn’t felt comfortable fielding, yet. Shouldn’t be too far out, though. (10-day DL)
LF Colby Rasmus – Got in some plate appearances last half of spring. No fielding, however. Should be back mid-April. (10-day DL)
C Wilson Ramos – He says he will be back in May. Cash seems confident in that, too. Let’s go with that. (60-day DL)
Fortunately for the Rays, they’ve made sure to stock up on depth for these very reasons. Guys like Jumbo Diaz (if he makes OD roster) and Tommy Hunter can help make up Boxberger’s innings. Austin Pruitt has made the team and he could be used in late innings, as well. Tim Beckham will fill in for Duffy nicely. He’s put together quite the spring and the Rays (and fans) are hoping to see him finally break out. Earlier this week, OF Peter Bourjos was acquired in a trade from the Chicago White Sox. If his spring debut was any indication – he’ll be an asset. Veteran and former All Star catcher, Derek Norris, was also recently signed after his release from the Washington Nationals.
The good news is that the rotation is in tact. Cobb is healthy and could return to his once dominant form. It’s been a while since this team has opened with a healthy starting five. Can the Rays get back to being a dominant pitching staff? Nothing to point towards otherwise. If they can get production from their “fill ins” in April – this team might be scary come May.
Opening Day festivities are just a few days away.
Let the games begin.
