KANSAS CITY -- Rays reliever Brad Boxberger took a flight back to Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday after being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.
Infielder Tim Beckham was recalled from Triple-A Durham as the corresponding roster move.
"We're going to let the doctors back home get their hands on him and check it out," manager Kevin Cash said before the series finale against the Royals. "Again, a very unfortunate injury, but it's something he'll recover from. We just kind of have to let the rehab process work itself out."
Boxberger hurt himself in Tuesday night's 10-5 loss to Kansas City, his first outing since returning from the disabled list following adductor surgery.
Boxberger led the American League in saves last season with 41. His return would have bolstered the back end of the bullpen, giving the Rays the option of Alex Colome, Xavier Cedeno, Erasmo Ramirez and Boxberger in the late innings. Now the situation is back to where it was before Boxberger returned.
"When we had leads to protect, it was pretty obvious who we were going to," Cash said. "But I'll tell you what, the way Tyler Sturdevant and Ryan Garton have come up and thrown strikes, it's been really impressive. In that role they've been asked to pitch in so far, they've come in and really fulfilled it nicely. Just pounded the strike zone. And it's going to warrant them some more opportunities going forward."
Cash added that they would continue to "factor" how they want to use Cedeno, and he noted they need to get Enny Romero back on track, as he's had a rough go lately.