McGee could return this weekend for Rays
BOSTON -- Jake McGee threw a bullpen session on Wednesday afternoon and Rays manager Kevin Cash is optimistic the hard-throwing left-hander can be used again by the weekend series in Toronto.
McGee went on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 20 with a torn left meniscus that required surgery.
"Jake was really good," Cash said. "I think he threw roughly 30 pitches. Took him a little bit to get going -- I say that about his command -- the velocity was there. But his last 10 pitches were outstanding. So I think what we'll do is give him the day off tomorrow, let him see how he responds, the knee, and then he should be able to go for us in the Toronto series. That will be a tremendous addition. We've really missed him."
McGee is 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA in 36 appearances this season.
Meanwhile, the Rays continue to proceed cautiously with catcher Curt Casali, who went on the 15-day DL on Aug. 26 with a strained left hamstring.
"If he's ready to play and feels 100 percent then we'll try and get him out there," Cash said. "There's no rush or a timetable. We want him out there. I just think with where we're at in the season, time is dwindling here."