OAKLAND -- Logan Morrison is a Rays player who could become a "rental" for another team before Major League Baseball's Aug. 1 Trade Deadline. He's also out of the lineup for at least another day due to a sore right wrist.
The Rays first baseman has been battling a sore right wrist, which prompted the Rays to start Tim Beckham at first base Thursday night while Morrison visited a doctors. And everything turned out well.
Beckham played well in his first career start at first base, and Morrison got a cortisone shot that should clear up the soreness he's been feeling due to inflammation in his wrist.
Morrison was not available for duty on Friday night, according to Rays manager Kevin Cash, who added: "I think tomorrow we'll be at that point where he's available."
Despite Morrison not being available Friday night, Cash described Morrison's progress as "very good news, according to the doctors."
"He should be responding really well," Cash said. "I talked to him earlier today and he can definitely feel improvement."
Morrison told reporters that his wrist felt much better on Friday. As for the trade rumors, the veteran has managed to keep his sense of humor. When asked about being referred to as a possible rental until he becomes a free agent after this season, he smiled.
"I know I have to pay a lot of money for my rentals," he said. "So hopefully they reciprocate."
After teasing, he noted that he hopes he does not get traded.
"Shoot, I love these guys," Morrison said. "I don't really want to go anywhere, but again, it's a business and I understand. For two months, whatever it may be, I don't really have any thoughts because I don't know what the situation is going to be. As long as I'm here, I'm here. I'm going to play as hard as I can for the Rays. If I go somewhere else, same thing."