Jonny

DeLuca

Rays skipper Kevin Cash confirmed that DeLuca will be ready to return to game action later this week. The 27-year-old outfielder hit the injured list with a mild hamstring strain back in late May. He should make it back to Tampa Bay’s outfield mix at some point later next week.

According to manager Kevin Cash, that will keep DeLuca out 6-8 weeks. The 27-year-old was placed on the IL before Sunday’s game after suffering the hamstring strain during Friday’s game against New York. Assuming no significant setbacks, that puts DeLuca back in Tampa Bay before the end of July.

As anticipated, DeLuca lands on the injured list after suffering a hamstring injury during Friday’s contest against the Yankees. The severity of the strain — and how much time he may miss — are not yet known. Victor Mesa Jr. was recalled from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move to take his place on the Rays’ roster.

The official roster move is unlikely to be made until later this weekend following Saturday’s rainout at Yankee Stadium. Victor Mesa Jr. is the likely call-up from Triple-A Durham to fill his roster spot. DeLuca left Friday’s series opener with a right hamstring issue that occurred when he went first-to-third on a seventh-inning double by teammate Cedric Mullins. He’s likely facing a multi-week absence, even if the strain proves to be relatively minor.

DeLuca appeared to sustain the injury while going from first to third on a double by Cedric Mullins in the seventh inning and was lifted for a pinch runner. He’ll head for further evaluation. Expect the Rays to provide an update on his status as soon as more information becomes available.

This is now DeLuca’s fifth straight start in the outfield after his early-season playing time was limited to mostly facing left-handed pitchers. With Jake Fraley on the injured list, DeLuca has a real chance to earn a full-time role. The 27-year-old is hitting .277/.308/.429 in 118 plate appearances with two home runs, 19 RBI, and six steals. He should be on the fantasy radar in deeper formats.

No word on the reason for the move. Johnny DeLuca takes over in right field and will hit seventh in his place. The 30-year-old platoon specialist will continue playing regularly against right-handed starter. There should be an update on his status following the contest.

Fraley sat out Wednesday’s game as well after fouling a ball off of his leg on Tuesday. The fact that the Rays haven’t put him on the injured list makes it likely that they still feel it’s a day-to-day type of injury and expect him to return to the lineup at some point over the weekend. Jonny DeLuca will once again start in his place in right field and will bat fifth against Taj Bradley and the Twins on Friday evening in Tampa Bay.

The Rays are giving Fraley a day off today ahead of the team’s full day on Thursday in the hopes that two days off will allow him to be back in the lineup on Friday and avoid a trip to the injured list. The Rays are facing a left-hander on Wednesday anyway, so this works in their favor. Ryan Vilade will play right field and bat fourth with Jonny DeLuca in centerfield, batting fifth

Fraley got the day off on Sunday and is right back in the lineup today. The veteran is 5-for-19 to start the season with one run scored. He’s not making strong enough contact early in the season and could be at risk of losing playing time to Jonny DeLuca.