The Rays announced some roster moves this morning, including the activation of infielder Yandy Diaz from the 10-day injured list. Nate Lowe, called up just yesterday from Triple-A, is on his way back to the minors in a corresponding move. The Rays also optioned right-hander Adam Kolarek yesterday, but Kolarek is now making a quick return to the big leagues since southpaw Jose Alvarado has been placed on the family medical emergency list.
Diaz hit the IL on May 23, with a retroactive placement to May 20, with a left hand contusion after being hit by a pitch from the Yankees’ Chance Adams. While Diaz was reportedly still feeling some soreness in his hand, a brief stint in extended Spring Training camp seems to have done the trick, and the corner infielder will now make his return to Tampa Bay’s lineup. Acquired as part of the three-team trade that sent Jake Bauers to Cleveland last December, Diaz has hit an impressive .256/.339/.500 with nine homers over 180 plate appearances in a Rays uniform, delivering on the promise that his hard-hit ball statistics indicated during his time with the Tribe.
Lowe’s latest turn in the Show lasted only a day, as the slugging first base prospect now has a .263/.310/.316 slash line over 42 PA this season. It stands to reason that Lowe will continue to be shuffled between the majors and minors as circumstances warrant, though the Rays will surely keep an eye on his service time so as to gain an extra year of team control over the youngster.
Yay!
Excited to get Yandy back…not so much Kolarek. Seriously, there are no other candidates to take that spot?
Not really. Colin Poche, the other LOGY hope, has been getting wacked around (tho he’s been better lately). And Miller has been a dud.
My guess? A few more starts, and they throw caution to the wind (not to mention service time consequences) and call up Brendon McKay (a la the David Price thing years ago). McKay doesn’t even need to be protected until 2020, but his performance,and their need, may dictate otherwise.
Kolarek is left handed