This afternoon, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that infielder Joey Wendle suffered a fractured right wrist when he was hit by a pitch in Wednesday’s contest against the Kansas City Royals.
The infielder stayed in the game after being hit but was replaced by Brandon Lowe in the seventh inning. Michael Perez replaced Lowe at first base, and Mike Zunino entered the game at catcher.
It’s frustrating. (The) ball got away from a lefty. Joey worked so hard to get back here quick, and then this happens. Pretty unfortunate, but knowing Joey, just the character of the person, he’ll get on the rehab and get back as soon as possible.
— Kevin Cash
Wendle went to see a hand specialist to determine the severity of the injury after the game. He will be placed on the injured list, yet the time frame for his return is uncertain — three-to-four weeks would be a good estimate pending the severity of the injury.
We don’t have an update on when what the time frame is. But I would bet on Joey to speed it up real quick.
— Kevin Cash
Entering play, Wendle managed just a single hit in 22 plate appearances, yet was 2-for-2 on the day before the errant pitch.
Wendle returned from the IL on Sunday after being sidelined with a left hamstring strain suffered on April 1. A corresponding move will be made before Friday’s game against the Red Sox, in Boston.
In other roster news, left-hander Ryan Yarbrough was optioned to Triple-A Durham following Wednesday’s game. A corresponding move to replace him on the 25-man roster will be made ahead of Friday’s game.
Yarbrough has struggled this season and now has an 8.10 ERA in five appearances after allowing seven earned runs this afternoon. He threw 74 pitches overall, 43 for strikes (58% strike rate).
Kind of an odd outing a little bit for Yarbrough. Thought he came out throwing the ball well, throwing strikes, really pumped a bunch of strikes and then for whatever reason, lost — I’m not going to say command — but lost feel of some of his pitches and put himself in a bind.
— Kevin Cash
As of now, left-hander Jalen Beeks, who is 1-0 with a 3.32 ERA/3.12 FIP across 19 innings of work, will move into the “bulk guy” role that had previously been occupied by Yarbrough. Beeks threw 4-2/3 scoreless innings on Tuesday, scattering two hits and two walks while striking out seven.
Noteworthiness
— Y’all like Little League? If so, then you’ll love this double run-down double play.