KANSAS CITY -- There was good news for the Rays all over the place on the injury front on Tuesday.
At Kauffman Stadium, designated hitter Yandy Díaz was back in the starting lineup, batting leadoff, after exiting Sunday’s series finale against the D-backs early due to a nagging left shoulder strain. Díaz has been playing through the issue for a while and said he will continue to do so, putting it out of his mind whenever he’s in the batter’s box
“I feel good, and the biggest thing is I’ve just got to rest. I’ve just got to recover,” Díaz said through interpreter Kevin Vera. “My main focus right now is getting proper rest and recovering in the right way.”
Down at the Rays’ Spring Training complex in Port Charlotte, Fla., right-handed reliever Manuel Rodríguez faced hitters in live batting practice for the first time as he works his way back from right forearm/elbow surgery, which he underwent last August. Rodríguez posted a video of the session on Instagram, with data showing him throwing a sinker near 95 mph.
Rodríguez is tracking toward a return after the All-Star break, after a few more times facing hitters and a Minor League rehab assignment. He posted a 2.12 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 68 innings over 71 appearances for the Rays from 2024-25, and he could provide a big second-half boost to Tampa Bay’s bullpen if he rediscovers that form.
Finally, at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, two important offseason additions for the Rays joined Triple-A Durham for a rehab assignment. Right fielder Jake Fraley, coming back from surgery to repair a hernia, batted second for the Bulls. Second baseman Gavin Lux, sidelined all season by a series of injuries, was right behind Fraley, batting third.
Fraley went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI while playing six innings in right field, and Lux went 0-for-4 while playing seven innings at second base. Both could join the Rays at some point next month, providing experienced left-handed bats.
“Happy to get those guys going,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said.