Elliot

Johnson

Reid Brignac and Elliot Johnson will also get playing time, likely against right-handers, but Maddon said it will not be a strict platoon. Rodriguez, who turns 27 in April, batted .223/.323/.357 with eight homers, 36 RBI, 11 stolen bases and a .679 OPS last season. He’s a bit of a batting average risk, but should be useful in AL-only and even some deeper mixed leagues.

Brignac is currently dealing with a plantar fascia condition in his right foot and Rays manager Joe Maddon confirmed Thursday that the injury “has a chance” to impact his availability for Opening Day. Johnson, who is out of options, would likely function as a backup for Sean Rodriguez if Johnson misses the start of the season.

The move clears the way for the newly-claimed Brandon Allen on the active roster. Brignac went just 2-for-17 (.118) over his first eight games this season. Sean Rodriguez should continue to get the lion’s share of starts at shortstop while Eliot Johnson will serve as his backup.

Evan Longoria is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a partial tear of his left hamstring, so Rays manager Joe Maddon will use a mix-and-match approach at third base. Rhymes, Elliot Johnson, Sean Rodriguez and Jeff Keppinger all figure to draw starts. It’s a situation to avoid for fantasy owners.

Not a surprise. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times passed along word Tuesday morning that Longoria could miss 6-8 weeks with a hamstring issue, but the team has yet to make an official announcement on his status moving forward. Elliot Johnson will start in his place at third base Tuesday night and bat seventh against right-hander Hector Noesi.

Johnson’s fourth blast of the year came against Anibal Sanchez in the fourth. Johnson is now batting .270/.343/.397 through Tampa’s first 60 games, and has stolen nine bases to go along with 16 RBI. There are worse options in exceptionally deep mixed leagues.

He’s likely just getting a routine day of maintenance for his hamstring. Ben Zobrist will serve as the DH Monday while Ryan Roberts plays second base, Elliot Johnson starts at shortstop and Sean Rodriguez plays third.

Keppinger was placed on the disabled list Monday with a broken big right toe. Sean Rodriguez, Elliot Johnson and Will Rhymes should play pretty regularly in the Rays’ infield for now.

While he won’t exactly light the world on fire, Johnson does have some value as a potential middle infielder in deeper mixed leagues. For the season, he’s now hitting .270 with four homers and 20 RBI to go along with his 13 stolen bases.

Jeff Keppinger and Ryan Roberts are also out of the lineup, so Rays manager Joe Maddon is likely using the day game as an opportunity to rest some regulars. Sam Fuld will make the start in left field while Sean Rodriguez plays third base, Ben Zobrist starts at second base and Elliot Johnson is back at shortstop.