ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays’ rotation took another hit on Thursday as they placed right-hander Shane Baz on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right elbow.

Baz experienced right elbow discomfort while playing catch on Tuesday, according to the Rays, and he was evaluated Thursday by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas. He will receive an injection before resting and rehabbing for at least the next four weeks. The club said a timeline for the rookie’s return will be established based upon his progression during that time.

“Disappointed for Shane, for sure,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “You don't want to see guys get injured, and we've had our fair share.”

Indeed, Baz became the Rays’ 17th player (and 12th pitcher) on the injured list, tied with the Reds for the highest total in the Majors and equalling Tampa Bay’s single-game club record. The Rays lost lefty Josh Fleming on Monday to a right oblique strain that will sideline him for three to six weeks, and now they’re likely to be without Baz for an extended period.

• Rays injuries and roster moves

The Rays will get one injured player back on Friday night, however, as Luis Patiño is expected to come off the 60-day IL to pitch against the Orioles.

Patiño hasn’t pitched for the Rays since recording two outs in his season debut on April 11. The right-hander may pitch only an inning or two in his first outing back, however, as he hasn’t pitched in a game since departing his fourth rehab outing for Triple-A Durham on July 2 due to a blister.

“Very happy,” Patiño, who completed a bullpen session on Wednesday with no issues, said through interpreter Manny Navarro. “The beginning of the season didn't really start like we wanted to, but I'm very excited to be back and help out the team however I can tomorrow.”

The energetic 22-year-old is clearly eager to return. When asked how many innings he’ll be able to pitch Friday, he quickly replied, “Nine. I’m ready. Why not?” After learning of yet another tough injury, it was some welcome good news for the Rays.

“He's missed a lot of time,” Cash said. “It is good to have him back.”

Thursday’s news continued a frustrating rookie season for Baz, who recently graduated from his status as the Rays’ top prospect. After throwing his first bullpen session of Spring Training, the 23-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow -- his first surgery, which led to his first time on the injured list.

That postponed his season debut until June 11, then he pitched to a 2.92 ERA in his first five starts before allowing seven runs on eight hits while recording only seven outs in Cincinnati on Sunday. Baz was scheduled to make his next start Friday, but pitching coach Kyle Snyder said Baz informed head athletic trainer Joe Benge on Tuesday that he felt some soreness in his elbow. Baz visited with Meister on Thursday morning, when he was told to stop throwing for four weeks.

“You never get numb to it. I don't know how many times I've said that, but I'm more concerned about the person and what they're going through,” Snyder said. “I've faced a lot of that myself, and I understand how difficult that can be.

“As a team, we'll be fine. We can't replace Shane Baz, but we've got a lot of guys that are very talented and have an opportunity to come up here and throw some zeros on the board.”

That will start with Patiño on Friday. Left-hander Ryan Yarbrough could rejoin the starting staff on Saturday after having his last start in Triple-A cut short. Lefty Jeffrey Springs (right lower leg tightness) should reinforce their rotation after the All-Star break, as he’s eligible to come off the 15-day IL on July 22. The Rays could get another boost next month from right-hander Yonny Chirinos, who is slated to begin a Minor League rehab assignment Saturday after being sidelined since 2020.

“The depth is there. The talent is certainly there,” Snyder said. “So we'll do our best to make up for the loss of Shane over the next four weeks and hope for the best when he picks the ball back up again.”