Updated from yesterday: The Rays have placed C Ryan Hanigan on the 15-day DL with a strained right hamstring. Kevin Kiermaier has been recalled from Triple-A Durham. Per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times, “Hanigan said he had to be talked into going on DL but understands it’s a smart decision. “It was tough. It’s not getting better.”‘ He went on to say, “Hanigan says he’ll do 3-4 days of rest, (and) get back into getting (the) hamstring ready in week. (He’s) optimistic it won’t be a long stay on DL.”
Some light has been shed on the Rays’ motivation in calling up catcher Ali Solis from Triple-A Durham, as opposed to a position player like Kevin Kiermaier or Vince Belnome. It seems there’s a good chance Ryan Hanigan could spend some time on the 15-day disabled list, due to complications extending from a tight hamstring. Per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times,
“Turns out, Hanigan may eventually land on the disabled list, with the team likely to make a decision in the next few days. Hanigan said the hamstring, which sidelined him for three games on the last road trip out West, is not healing like it should, and he suffered a set-back Monday night when it was tight.”
The Rays primary catcher wants to play through the injury, hoping he’ll be able to rest it over the next few days — taking Thursday’s off-day into consideration. However, he doesn’t know how long it’ll take to get better, and putting him on the DL might be the best option.
Hanigan told the Times’ staff writer,
“It’s a tough call, because it’s not excruciating. I have been functional. But it’s bothersome. I think, being a catcher, it’s a little tougher putting weight on it.” He went on to say, “I don’t want to (go on the DL). That’s not what I want to do at all, to tell you the truth. I don’t know what’s best, I’m going to leave it up to the trainers. They know where I stand. I’d like to try to keep playing if I can stay functional.”
Hanigan went on to tell Smith that his hamstring felt tight in third or fourth inning last night, though he was also emphatic that he doesn’t want to spend time on the DL. However, going to leave the final decision up to trainers. The plan is to see how his hamstring feels over the next few days before the final decision is made. In the meantime, Jose Molina will likely carry the load while Hanigan is out, with maybe a spot start by Solis.
Ali Solis, 26, provides insurance at catcher. Solis has been the primary catcher for the Durham Bulls this season, where he hit .186 with a homer and 12 RBI in 29 games. He has a limited amount of major league experience with the Padres in 2012 (five games); he was held hitless in four at-bats.
#Rays Solis says he’s very excited to get first callup since 2012. Admits he’s struggled offensively at Triple A but defense is strong suit — Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) May 27, 2014
There’s been no indication that catcher Curt Casali may see some time with the Rays. Rather, Rays manager Joe Maddon said Solis is here to play, and may get the start Wednesday.