The Tampa Bay Rays were forced to place to place OF Brandon Guyer on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday due to a left hamstring strain. The move comes after Guyer missed Saturday afternoon’s game after previously starting 14 straight.
Guyer, one of the Rays hottest hitters over the last month, told reporters that he felt his hamstring grab in the series opener against Kansas City, but thought the injury was minor and would improve. However, the condition persisted and he felt it worsen during a game ending ground out Friday night. Guyer told the the team’s medical staff, who made the decision to place him on the DL now rather than risk inflaming the hamstring more.
Guyer slashed .271 BA/.365 OBP/.472 SLG/.837 OPS in 40 games this season, with six homers and 14 RBI. As of ,writing there is no concrete plan on when Guyer will return, although he hopes to have just the minimal 15-day stay on the DL.
The team announced that INF Nick Franklin will take his place on the roster. Franklin has been hot of late at Triple-A Durham, with six multi-hit games in his last 10.
#Rays Cash said Franklin has been hitting well at @DurhamBulls and Motter’s versatility to play OF helps make it work.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 5, 2016
The team can make the move because of Taylor Motter’s versatility — he can play in the outfield as well. To that end, neither Jaff Decker nor Dayron Varona — the two outfielders at Durham worthy of consideration — are on the 40-man roster.