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Rays Injury Update: Kiermaier slated to return Tuesday; on Robertson and Archer

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Kevin Kiermaier injured his right thumb, requiring surgery, on a headfirst slide into second base back on April 15. (Photo Credit: WANE.com)

The Tampa Bay Rays are slated to make a handful of roster moves this week, starting with the activation of Kevin Kiermaier from the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday.

Kiermaier injured his right thumb, requiring surgery to repair a torn ligament, on a headfirst slide into second base back on April 15. His activation will come a couple days ahead of his most recent timetable, which had him slated to return at the end of the week when the Rays return home from their current road trip.

Kiermaier was persistent with manager Kevin Cash and hitting coach Chad Mottola, telling reporters that he texted both multiple times in an attempt to convince them he was ready after just five rehab games. The two-time Gold Glove winner went 7-17 over the course of his rehab stint, with a double, a triple, an RBI, two walks and a stolen base.

I squared up a lot of balls, had great at-bats, Kiermaier said. So I texted Cash, I texted (Mottola) quite a few times. And I said, ‘How many more line drives is it going to take for me to get a call to Houston?’ I guess I convinced them enough. … I’m where I need to be right now, and I’m excited to take the field tomorrow with these guys.

Manager Kevin Cash said the Rays training staff felt Kiermaier was ready.

We thought, talking to K.K. and talking to the training staff and then obviously the Durham staff, that he was in a good spot physically and mentally, Cash said. We’re a better team when K.K. is on the field.

Even though there is some lingering soreness in his surgically repaired thumb, Kiermaier will instantly go back to centerfield, with Mallex Smith likely sliding over to left to share time with Johnny Field. Carlos Gomez will presumably remain in right.

The team will need to make room on both the 25-man and 40-man rosters, as Kiermaier is currently on the 60-day DL.

Daniel Robertson (left hamstring strain) will play second base in the first game of a doubleheader for Port Charlotte on Tuesday, and if all goes well he will be activated Friday. According to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times, Twitter link) that seems to be a driving force for them to make a deal for Adeiny Hechavarria.

Chris Archer (left abdominal strain) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday. Even if everything goes well, Archer is likely several weeks away from a return as he will need some rehab starts before returning to the team. The right-hander most recently played catch on Friday and felt well afterward.

The New What Next: Rays vs Astros — a series preview

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The Rays salvaged the finale of a four game series against the Yankees on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The American League East will square off with the American League West, when the Tampa Bay Rays begin a three-game series against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Monday. The Rays followed a three-game sweep against the Blue Jays by dropping three-of-four to the Yankees, while the Astros have won 11 in a row.

With the win on Sunday, the Rays snapped a nine-game road losing streak, their longest since 2016.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

The Rays struggled in the series against the Yankees, plating a total of seven runs in the four games. It, frankly, will not get any easier for in their upcoming against the Astros, who have the top ERA in the American League. For their part, the reigning World Series champs scored 24 runs in their series with the Royals.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Tampa Bay’s offense has dramatically regressed, due in large part to a 25.5% strikeout rate. In fact, the Rays’ 13.2% SwStr rate is a mere eight points lower that the Astros overall strikeout rate over the last 14 days. What’s more, the overall batting average, walk rate and on base percentage have fallen over the same span of time, meaning they’ve left a lot chicken on the bone when given the opportunity to plate some runs.

Pitching Probables

Kevin Cash will lean on Ryne Stanek (1-1, 2.55 ERA) — who likely will be followed by Matt Andriese (1-3, 3.27 ERA) — Blake Snell (8-4, 2.58 ERA), and Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 4.63 ERA) the next three days. A.J. Hinch will respond with Gerrit Cole (8-1, 2.40 ERA), Justin Verlander (9-2, 1.61 ERA), and Charlie Morton (8-1, 2.94 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Ryne Stanek will get the nod ahead of Matt Andriese on Monday. Stanek has been very good over his last 14-innings of work, allowing just two runs on six hits while fanning 15. He is in the midst of an eight inning, six-game scoreless streak. Andriese allowed just two hits and one walk across 3-2/3 innings on Wednesday against Toronto. He struck out two. It was a nice bounce-back performance for the right-hander, who had allowed eight runs (five earned) over his previous five appearances (11 innings of work). Andriese now owns a solid 3.27 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 5.00 K/BB over 41-1/3 innings this season.

Gerrit Cole allowed four runs on six hits and two walks across six innings. He struck out six. Cole allowed a pair of homers, but but otherwise pounded the zone after the Astros lineup staked him to a 10-run lead over the first two frames. The right-hander ate innings, avoided any major uprisings and earned his sixth consecutive win (his third straight start). This season Cole has relied primarily on a whiffy 97 mph four-seam fastball with some slight armside run, an 89 mph slider, and an 83 mph worm-killer curveball with sharp downward bite and some glove-side movement. He is 2-1 with a 2.66 ERA in six starts at Minute Made Park. Key Matchups: C.J. Cron (1-1, 2B, RBI), Carlos Gomez (5-12, 3B, BB)

Blake Snell allowed four runs on five hits and four walks over five innings on Thursday. He struck out eight. Snell had won his last four decisions heading in to this tough matchup against the Yankees, last taking a loss on May 13 against the Orioles. That was also the last time he allowed more than two earned runs. Even with the rough outing, the southpaw has performed to a stellar 2.58 ERA across 87-1/3 innings with a 3.34 K/BB. Snell is 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA in three career starts against Houston.

Justin Verlander allowed three runs on five hits while striking out seven across seven innings against the Athletics on Thursday. It wasn’t Verlander’s sharpest performance, as the right-hander allowed a pair of homers in the game, but it got the job done. At the end of May he owned a 1.11 ERA, although that number jumped to a still-pristine 1.61 after Thursday’s contest. This season Verlander has relied on a whiffy 95 mph four-seam fastball with good “rising” action, and an 87 mph slider. He has also mixed in an 80 mph curveball with sharp downward bite. The 35 year-old is 8-3 with a 3.29 ERA in 16 career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Rob Refsnyder (2-2, RBI), Mallex Smith (1-4, BB)

Nathan Eovaldi allowed five runs over 7-1/3 innings in his last start on Friday. He struck out five. Eovaldi largely cruised through the Yankees lineup, with the exceptions of a third inning solo shot and a sixth inning sac fly, before running out of gas in a three-run eighth. Eovaldi has been hit or miss in his four starts since returning from the DL, allowing three runs or more in three of those starts. He is 1-0 with a 2.52 ERA in four career starts against the Astros.

Charlie Morton allowed three runs on four hits over six innings against the Royals on Friday. He struck out nine and walked four. Morton gave up a two-run double to Mike Moustakas in the third inning then later walked Moustakas with the bases loaded in the fifth. The walks are a problem for Morton (he walked six in 3-2/3 innings in his previous start), but he was still able to come away with the win thanks to an Evan Gattis grand slam. The right-hander has performed to a 2.94 ERA and 1.14 WHIP along with an excellent 3.18 K/BB over 82-2/3 innings. This season Morton has relied primarily on a 97 mph four-seam fastball with obvious tail and natural sinking action, a whiffy 80 mph knuckle curveball with sweeping glove-side movement and sharp downward bite, and a 96 mph two-seam sinker with some slight armside run, while also mixing in a whiffy 89 mph cutter and an 88 mph splitter with armside fade. Morton is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in three career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (1-3), Carlos Gomez (6-16, HR), Adeiny Hechavarria (2 2B, BB), Wilson Ramos (5-13, RBI, BB)

Rays Roster Moves: Christian Arroyo placed on the DL, Adeiny Hechavarria activated

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Christian Arroyo was placed on the 10-day DL with an oblique strain following Saturday’s ball-game.

The Tampa Bay Rays announced, after Saturday’s losing contest against the Yankees, that INF Christian Arroyo has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. Adeiny Hechavarria has been recalled from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham and activated.

Arroyo had been productive in his 16 starts with the Rays, hitting .264. Manager Kevin Cash said the injury took place during Arroyo’s first plate appearance in Friday’s ball game:

The injury crept up in his first at-bat on (Friday), Cash said. He tried to manage himself through it. Being a young player, and we know how those work, you try to fight through it and you make it worse. It made the most sense to put him on the DL.

If the injury doesn’t improve, Arroyo will have an MRI.

Hechavarria missed approximately a month of action because of a right hamstring strain. With the promotion of top prospect Willy Adames, who has been handed the starting shortstop job, it isn’t entirely clear how Hechavarria will factor into the Rays’ plans. Hechavarria hasn’t played anywhere but shortstop, yet he could help boost an offense that has scored just one run over the past 21 innings. Hechavarria hit .273 with two home runs and 16 RBI in 36 games.

The timing of Arroyo’s injury has complicated the team’s plans, as internal trade whispers have circulated around the Hecahvarria who seemed all but certain to be dealt, or otherwise dropped from the roster, later this week. According to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) the Rays still are likely to look to move him, although the timing of a move remains unclear.

INF Daniel Robertson is said to be on the road to recovery from his hamstring strain, and could be activated as early as Friday, when he is eligible to come of the DL.

The New What Next: Rays vs Yankees part two — a series preview

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Matt Duffy’s walk-off single gave the Rays their fourth win in five games — including a three-game sweep of the Jays — on Wednesday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees are set to kick off a four-game divisional series Thursday evening at Yankee Stadium. The Rays are coming off a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, thanks to solid pitching and a walk-off RBI base hit by Matt Duffy. The Yankees are coming of a series split against the Nationals punctuated by a 5-4 loss Wednesday night.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

Tampa Bay followed a 1-10 stretch of play by winning four of the last five games. But even in the midst of a poor stretch of play, the Rays’ offense began to put together more consistent at-bats, scoring 4.57 runs per game (on average) over the last seven games. The Yankees, on the other hand, appear to be on the opposite trajectory, scoring just 3.14 runs per game (on average) over the same stretch of play. And while the Yankees boast a more powerful lineup (.216 ISO/.449 SLG vs .118 ISO/.346 SLG), both teams claim very similar run production totals over the last 14 days.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

That’s not to say that the Rays should discount the Yankees in any way, shape, or form — the Bronx Bummers are fully capable of putting crooked numbers on the board. What I am suggesting though, is that the good guys could be facing the Evil Empire at the right time, heading into their toughest stretch of play where they will compete against three playoff contending teams 15 times over the next 17 days.

…Now, if they can keep Didi Gregarious and company in the ball park.

Pitching Probables

Kevin Cash will lean on Blake Snell (8-3, 2.30 ERA) and Nathan Eovaldi (1-1, 3.94 ERA) in the first two games, and presumably Ryan Yarbrough (5-2, 3.90 ERA) and Austin Pruitt (2-3, 4.50 ERA) on Saturday and Sunday, based on when they last pitched. The Rays, however, have not set the openers for the final two games. We will offer updates when the situation clarifies. Aaron Boone will counter with Domingo German (0-3, 6.00 ERA), Johnathan Loaisiga (3-1, 4.32 ERA), Luis Severino (9-2, 2.27 ERA) and presumably CC Sabathia (4-1, 3.27 ERA) although the starter in the final game is to be announced.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Blake Snell didn’t have his A+ stuff in his last start, however, he made big pitches when he needed to. Snell pitched out of the stretch in each of the six innings he worked, and notched just one strikeout. However, the southpaw held Seattle to 0-for-8 wRISP. While his line was not spotless — he gave up seven hits, walked a pair, and plunked the first batter of his big league career — Snell still limited any damage caused by the Mariners, and gave up just two runs. The southpaw is 2-3 with a 4.58 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees, and 0-3 with a 6.58 in six starts at Yankee Stadium

Domingo German allowed three earned runs on five hits and no walks across six innings Saturday against the Mets. He struck out nine, and did not factor into the decision. The 25 year-old right-hander is still looking for his first win of the season. This season German has relied primarily on a whiffy 83 mph 12-6 curveball and a hard 96 mph four-seam fastball that generates plenty of swings and misses, while also mixing in an 88 mph changeup with obvious armside fade, and a 96 mph sinker with natural sink.

Nathan Eovaldi allowed three runs on four hits with no walks over five innings of a no-decision on Sunday against the Mariners. He struck out three. Eovaldi was staked to a 3-1 lead when he took the mound in the sixth inning, after causing through the Mariners’ lineup over the previous four innings, yet a leadoff single and a full count homer on a hanging slider spelled his doom. A former Yankee, Eovaldi will be making his first start in the Bronx (and against his former team), where he had gone 10-4 with a 3.74 ERA over 23 starts at Yankee Stadium.

Johnathan Loaisiga is a 23 year-old right-hander that is 3-1 with a 4.32 ERA in his last six starts with Double-A Trenton. In his last start he went just two innings and 49 pitches, while allowing four runs. Loaisiga will pitch in place of Masahiro Tanaka (strained both hamstrings) who was placed on the disabled list Saturday. The scouting report on the right-hander (per MLB.com)

While Loaisiga is small and skinny, he has surprising power to his three-pitch repertoire. His quick arm repeatedly generates 93-96 mph fastballs that top out at 98 with life down in the strike zone. His low-80s curveball features a high spin rate and his upper-80s changeup has nice fade, albeit with a bit too much velocity.

Loaisiga has a clean delivery that he repeats well, allowing him to work the bottom of the strike zone and issue just three walks in 32 2/3 innings last season. His stuff and control give him a ceiling of a mid-rotation starter, though his size and health history are concerns. If he winds up in the bullpen, his stuff should add even more power and he could rush through the Minors.

Ryan Yarbrough allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk across six innings and 88 pitches (59 strikes, 67% strike rate) while earning the win Monday night against the Blue Jays. He struck out four. Rays manager Kevin Cash was pleased with how Yarbrough battled to provide the Rays some length. The left-handed strike thrower has never faced the Yankees.

Luis Severino took the loss against the Mets on Sunday, allowing two earned runs on five hits over five innings. He struck out seven and walked two. Severino was on cruise control through the first four innings, but he gave up a two-run home run to his former teammate, Todd Frazier, in the fifth that proved to be the difference in the game. He, however, is still in the midst of a monster campaign, as Severino has performed to a 2.27 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP and a 4.74 K/BB over 91 innings this season. He held the Rays to just two runs over 7-1/3 innings against the on April 4, and is 6-1 with a 2.77 ERA in seven career starts against Tampa Bay. Key Matchups: CJ Cron (1-3, 2B, RBI), Matt Duffy (1-2), Mallex Smith (2-4), Jesus Sucre (1-4, RBI)

Austin Pruitt allowed one earned run on four hits over 2-2/3 innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. He struck out one.

CC Sabathia blanked the Nationals over 5-2/3 innings on Wednesday. He allowed four hits, walked three, and struck out just three on 101 pitches (62 strikes, 61% strike rate). Sabathia has allowed three runs or fewer 10 times this season, and has been blown up just twice (both losses). Sabathia has replaced his overpowering fastball with guile and craftiness, relying heavily on  his 89.4 mph cutter, which he throws up and in on righties. The swarthy southpaw is 16-14 with a 3.77 ERA in 45 starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: CJ Cron (3-7, HR, 2 RBI), Matt Duffy (1-3), Carlos Gomez (5-16, HR, RBI), Wilson Ramos (1-4), Rob Refsnyder (1-3)

The New What Next: Rays look for sweep vs Jays, 6/13/18 pregame notes

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Joey Wendle drove in an important RBI in last night’s 4-1 win against the Blue Jays. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After defeating Toronto on Tuesday night, by a 4-1 margin, the Tampa Bay Rays (31-35) look to sweep the Jays this afternoon at Tropicana Field. The Rays have not swept Toronto since 2016 (May 16-18) at the Rogers Center. With the win, Tampa Bay is 20-9 against teams with a sub .500 record this season.

Rookie phenoms, SS Willy Adames and 1B Jake Bauers, did their part on the field and at the plate last night. Adames made a spinning 360-degree play on a grounder in the seventh, then Bauers followed with a dazzling diving stop.

Together they went 3-7 at the plate with a run and a walk.

Tampa Bay used six relievers yesterday to hold Toronto to just five hits. Leading the charge was Ryne Stanek, who tossed two perfect frames. The right-hander came out throwing gas, and appears to be getting acclimated in the opener’s role.

The New What Next

Piggybacking on what I said above, the Rays are also expected to use the ‘pen today with Wilmer Font (0-3, 9.59 ERA) getting the start as the opener. Font has performed well with Tampa Bay, pitching to a 3.24 ERA over five appearances. In his last outing, Font retired the first six batters he faced, then allowing a walk and a pair of singles, before ending the inning with a punch out. Eventually he was charged with two runs.

Matt Andriese (1-3, 3.58 ERA) is expected to pitch the bulk of the innings, although Vidal Nuno is available to provide length too. They’ll be opposed by left-hander JA Happ (8-3, 3.71)

Matt Andriese allowed two earned runs on five hits, a walk and an HBP over 2-1/3 innings of a loss to Seattle on Friday. He struck out two. Andriese stayed away from the long ball, although he struggled overall through 48 pitches. The two runs he allowed came on soft contact — a Guillermo Heredia fielder’s choice and a Mitch Haniger single — but, the fact remains that Andriese has already allowed three earned runs over his first two June outings, and multiple runs in four of his last five appearances. All this after he performed to a .169 BA/.217 OBP/.338 SLG/.555 OPS line, and a 2.04 ERA/3.33 FIP, over 17-2/3 innings in May.

JA Happ picked up the win in a 5-1 victory over Baltimore, allowing only one unearned run on two hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out three. The punch outs tied a season low, although pitching to contact seemed to suit the left-hander just fine as he delivered his fourth quality start in his last five trips to the mound, and seventh on the season. Happ allowed three runs on four hits (including a homer) over 5-2/3 innings of a 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay on May 4. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (5-10, HR, 3 RBI), Johnny Field (1-2, HR), Wilson Ramos (2-6, RBI), Rob Refsnyder (1-4, 2B)

You can read about the series in our preview.

The New What Next: Rays vs Blue Jays, part two — a series preview

Rays 6/13/18 Starting Lineup

Duffy 3B
Bauers 1B
Adames SS
Cron DH
Arroyo 2B
Gomez RF
Field LF
Smith CF
Sucre C
Font RHP

Noteworthiness

— Kevin Kiermaier began his rehab assignment as DH in Port Charlotte yesterday, going 2-4 with a walk. He is slated to play six innings in centerfield tonight, while Adeiny Hechavarria is to play the field as well.

— The Rays signed first round draft pick, LH Matthew Liberatore last night.