Tyler Glasnow, the star pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday due to a back injury. Glasnow, who was voted the best pitcher in the American League for the month of July, experienced back pain after getting up from his chair in the clubhouse on Saturday.
Manager Kevin Cash remains optimistic about Glasnow’s status and believes he could potentially start on Wednesday or Thursday against the Cardinals. However, Cash also acknowledged that Glasnow has yet to see a doctor and there could be additional factors affecting the decision.
The Rays have already been dealing with multiple pitcher injuries, including placing pitcher Shane McClanahan on the injured list with forearm tightness. With Monday’s day off, the Rays’ current plan is to have Zach Eflin start on Tuesday, potentially run a bullpen day on Wednesday, and have Zack Littell start on Thursday.
To add depth to their bullpen, the Rays called up lefty Jalen Beeks on Sunday. Infielder/outfielder Vidal Brujan was sent down to make room for Beeks.
In other news, the Rays had their last encounter with retiring Tigers star Miguel Cabrera over the weekend. Cabrera, who started his career with a walkoff homer against the Rays in 2003, received praise from Cash for his contributions to the game.
Shortstop Wander Franco had a standout trip, hitting .389 with four home runs. Reliever Shawn Armstrong’s 16-inning scoreless streak came to an end, and newly acquired reliever Cole Sulser was assigned to Triple-A Durham.
Reliever Andrew Kittredge’s rehab assignment has been extended as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. There is no set timetable for his return.
Several members of the Rays’ team personnel attended the WWE SummerSlam wrestling event at Ford Field on Saturday night.
Overall, the Rays are facing uncertainty in their starting pitching plans due to injuries, but they remain hopeful for Glasnow’s quick recovery and return to the rotation.