The Rays have placed outfielder Manuel Margot on the 10-day injured list, as relayed by team broadcaster Neil Solondz. Right-handed pitcher Ralph Garza Jr. has been recalled in a corresponding move.
The loss of Margot is certainly a blow for the Rays, as he was off to an excellent start to the season. For most of his career, he’s provided value with his elite speed and defense, despite hitting slightly below league average. His career batting line is .255/.310/.393, amounting to a wRC+ of 92, or 8% below average. But in 2022, he’s hitting .348/.412/.500 for a wRC+ of 178, allowing him to produce 1.2 fWAR in just 27 games. No timetable was provided for his absence.
The Rays are adept at putting together excellent depth across their roster and should be able to weather Margot’s departure. Margot missed Tuesday and Wednesday’s game due to this hamstring issue and then was the designated hitter on Friday and Saturday. Kevin Kiermaier, Randy Arozarena, Harold Ramirez, Brett Phillips and Vidal Brujan got the outfield playing time in those games.
By adding another arm to the active roster, the Rays now have 12 position players and 14 pitchers on the club. This is allowed for now and through May 29, after which a 13-pitcher maximum will take effect. Unless Margot is ready to return before then, the club will have to add another position player into the mix. It’s possible that outfield prospect Josh Lowe, who was with the team earlier this year, could be considered for such a promotion. Since being optioned, he’s hit will in Triple-A with a slash line of .270/.341/.676. However, he does have a 48.8% strikeout rate working against him at the moment.
After today the Rays have the Tigers and Orioles(who have been a problem in the past) coming up, so they can make sure Margot is OK, bring back another pitcher and hope to rest the bullpen as well..The AAA shuffle is still on until the end of the month. They’re amazing.
The rays went 18-1 against Baltimore last season and are 3-0 against them so far this year…. so maybe not much of a problem for the rays at least
Stand down Margot stand down please. Stand down Margot
Lowe with a nearly 50% K rate in AAA?? He pretty much had that in MLB. Glad that he’s working on contact.
Maybe he swings at high pitches when he should be swinging at Lowe pitches.
Well played!
It’s sucks to anyone go on the IL, especially players who are off to hot starts.
I’m a huge fan of Margot’s game. Not a lot of players like him nowadays. Hope he heals up quick.
Poor Will.
Maybe they can fix his hammy with a trip to Miami.