Tampa Bay Rays Rule-5 draft pick Kevin Gadea will miss “at least” four weeks after an MRI revealed tendinitis in his right elbow, tweeted Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times).
#Rays RHP Kevin Gadea, Rule 5 pick from #Mariners, has sore elbow. Said he had MRI, diagnosed with tendinitis, out at least 4 weeks
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 17, 2017
Adding an unexpected wrinkle to the situation, the Rays were in the process of returning the right-hander to the Mariners organization when the MRI revealed his injury.
As it stands, he will break camp with the Rays and accrue Major League service time on the team’s disabled list — thus, as Steve Adams (MLB Trade Rumors) noted, earning the pro-rated portion of the league minimum for the time he spends on the Major League DL. The team could eventually place him on the 60-day DL to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Hearing #Rays were in process of returning Gadea to #Mariners (waivers, then offered back) when he reported elbow issue. Now stays, on DL
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 17, 2017
There is an upside for the Rays, who, in turn, will have an opportunity to further evaluate the 22 year-old hurler as he progresses through a minor league rehab assignment. If other injuries arise and/or other relievers fail to perform early in the season, writes Adams, it’s possible that Gadea could emerge as a candidate to help out on the Major League roster.
Then again, they may offer him back to Seattle once his rehab stint is completed.