ST. PETERSBURG -- Yandy Díaz battled back from a left foot injury to return in time for the postseason, but the injury sprung up again during the Rays' 10-3 victory over the Astros on Monday afternoon in Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field.

Díaz, who played the hero during Wednesday’s AL Wild Card Game against the A’s, left Monday’s game in the second inning due to left foot soreness. He was replaced by Matt Duffy, who hit for him in the second and took over at third base in the top of the third.

Díaz felt discomfort as he charged a grounder in the first inning of Monday’s game. Tampa Bay wants to be cautious with him, considering he missed nearly three months with a hairline fracture on the same foot. Díaz hit two home runs in Wednesday’s AL Wild Card Game, but he is still looking for his first hit in the ALDS, going 0-for-9 with four strikeouts.

If Díaz has to miss time, expect Joey Wendle and Duffy to handle the bulk of the responsibilities at third base.

“Sore, but I think he’s OK,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “The play in the first inning that [Yordan] Alvarez hit, that was our concern going in and playing him, whether it’s first or third base, just that quick agility movement.”