Choi to end first half on IL with ankle strain
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays placed first baseman Ji-Man Choi on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle strain on Wednesday and recalled infielder Mike Brosseau from Triple-A Durham.
Choi has been dealing with ankle and groin issues over the last couple of days, and with the Rays facing four left-handed pitchers in the next five games before the All-Star break, it made sense for the team to be cautious with Choi heading into the break.
“He's been battling multiple nicks here and there,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “There's back-to-back days I think he rolled his ankle, and I think it started to affect him a bit, even on the bases and at the plate, all of it. This will be a good time for him to, let's just get this thing healed up, give him a couple days off his feet and get him swinging again with some sort of rehab, and hopefully it's a quick stint.”
The left-handed first baseman has consistently hit in the middle of the Rays' order, connecting on nine home runs and slashing .266/.351/.423 in 70 games this season. If all goes well, Choi would only have to miss six games and would be eligible to return in time for the July 13 doubleheader against the Orioles in Baltimore.
“It’s nothing too serious,” Choi said, through team interpreter Ha Ram (Sam) Jeong. “I don’t think I’ll be out for too long. I’m hoping to be back after the All-Star break.”
In Choi’s absence and with the left-handed pitching coming up, expect Yandy Diaz to handle most of the responsibilities at first base. Brandon Lowe, who left Tuesday’s game with a right lower leg contusion, would also get some looks at the position.
This will be Brosseau’s second stint with the Rays. The infielder was optioned to Durham following Thursday’s 18-inning game against the Twins, but he made a solid impression to everyone in the organization. In three appearances, Brosseau went 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs, all while showing his defensive versatility by playing second and third base for Tampa Bay. The right-handed hitter projects to get plenty of at-bats over the next couple of days. Brosseau got off to a fast start on Wednesday, going 2-for-4 while knocking his first Major League home run.
Kiermaier scratched from Wednesday’s lineup
The Rays made a lineup change before Wednesday’s game against the Orioles, scratching center fielder Kevin Kiermaier with left wrist soreness. With Kiermaier out, Guillermo Heredia started in center field and Austin Meadows, who was scheduled to have the day off, started in right field and batted fifth.
Heredia went 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI, while Meadows went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Kiermaier notched his 15th stolen base after entering the game in the eighth inning as a pinch-runner for Travis d'Arnaud. He was tagged out at home later in the frame as he attempted to score on fielder's choice by Yandy Diaz.
Rays make pair of trades
Right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler, who was designated for assignment on Saturday in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Brendan McKay, has been traded to the Dodgers in exchange for Minor League pitcher Nathan Witt, who is 1-2 with a 5.32 ERA in 22 games this season with the Class A Midwest League's Great Lakes Loons.
Sadler pitched well for the Rays this season, posting a 1.86 ERA in nine appearances in relief, but with Tampa Bay needing to make room on the 40-man roster, the club made the decision to designate him for assignment.
In another move to clear room on the roster, the Rays traded utility man Andrew Velazquez to the Indians in exchange for international pool money. Velazquez went 1-for-12 at the plate for Tampa Bay this season, but has proven to be a versatile defender who can play second, third, shortstop and center field.
“Sadler did such a good job for us,” Cash said. “That was a really challenging decision. He’s probably pitched his best baseball of his career this year, whether it was for us or for Durham. We wish him the best. Go make the most of an opportunity in L.A.”
By trading Velazquez, the Rays open a spot on the 40-man roster, which would likely be used to activate right-hander Jose De Leon, who has been on a prolonged rehab assignment in Durham from the 60-day injured list. Tampa Bay will also have to make room for Matt Duffy, Tyler Glasnow and Anthony Bemboom, who are on the 60-day injured list.