Kiermaier (illness), Duffy (back) out for opener
ST. PETERSBURG -- Kevin Kiermaier and Matt Duffy were both out of the starting lineup for Monday night's contest against the Indians, and were available if needed, although neither made an appearance in the 6-5 victory, which gave the club their 12th consecutive win at home.
Kiermaier has had "general illness," Rays manager Kevin Cash said.
"He played through it [Sunday]," Cash said. "Aches, stomach issues, some pain, some head cold. So we'll see what the doctor says. I don't think it's anything too serious at this point right now. I hope I'm right.
"We had a pretty big scare [when Mallex Smith got hospitalized with a viral infection]. I'm not comparing the two. We just kind of live through that, so hopefully just a significant head cold."
Meanwhile, Duffy has tightness in his lower back.
"It's probably been grabbing him a little bit lately," Cash said. "Nothing that he couldn't manage. I think yesterday it probably snuck up on him. Aggravated him a little more than he'd like."