The Rays announced today that first baseman Ji-Man Choi is heading to the 10-day injured list, as MLB.com’s Juan Toribio was among those to cover via Twitter. He’s said to be dealing with a sprained left ankle.
Infielder Mike Brosseau will come up to take the open active roster spot. He’s in the majors for the second time this season after a brief prior promotion. Brosseau has been aflame at Triple-A, where he carries a .317/.408/.590 batting line with 15 home runs and a 51:33 K/BB ratio.
It’s at least a bit interesting to see the Rays tap Brosseau rather than first base prospect Nate Lowe. The left-handed-hitting Lowe struggled in a ten-game stint earlier this year, but would seem to be a more direct replacement for Choi. Perhaps the Tampa Bay club preferred to carry some added defensive versatility; no doubt the fact that they’ll face several lefty starters in the next week was also a factor. The presence of starter/first bagger Brendan McKay on the roster also reduces the need for a lefty bat.
In any event, there’s no indication that Choi will be sidelined for a lengthy stint. He’s slashing a respectable .266/.351/.423 on the season, good for a 111 wRC+. With Choi only commanding league-average money, he’s a cost-efficient player, but it’s certainly possible the club will see cause to pursue an upgrade at some point this summer.
Dixon Miaz
Love this guy! Proves that that stupid stereotype about Asians can’t see wrong!
DisplacedSTLfan
Glad to see Brosseau back up!!
stedmanslick
Asians definitely can’t see wrong
FutureMiLBWife
Hopefully he has a speedy recovery
bobtillman
I think you might see Lowe, Nate replacing Lowe, Brandon in the next few hours. He needs a place on the 40-man.
Lowe’ (Brandon’s) injury looked more than “day to day” to me, and you’ve got the AS break to play with. Plus, without Velasquez, they have an open spot.
kc38
Ohhhh swing and a miss from the trainer/gm/ scout/ analyst. Deleon gets 40 man spot
kc38
How can an injury with no broken bones, pulled muscles, or any major injury be more than Day to Day? Swelling and bruising is Day to Day. Use your brain
kc38
Andddddd nate was already on 40 man