The Tampa Bay Rays caused another injury to one of their top hitters, Yandi Diaz, who was forced to leave the game due to a strained left groin. Diaz will undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the extent of the injury. He expressed his concern and uncertainty about playing on Tuesday and leaving it up to the team’s trainer and doctor. Currently batting .321 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs, Diaz’s absence could affect the team’s performance.
Pete Fairbanks, the high-leverage reliever, has recovered from a sore forearm and plans to return to action on Tuesday. After a successful rehab and clearance from the computer verification, Fairbanks will replace Chris Muller, who may be demoted. The Rays will face the Mets on Tuesday, and Fairbanks’s return could be significant.
The Rays will have their only day off on Monday, their first break in a busy stretch of 16 consecutive days of play. The team will stay in the same New York hotel, and Yonny Chirinos will play catch with bullpen catcher Charlie Valerio on Monday. Isaac Paredes came off the bench in the game and got hit twice in the left elbow.
The Rays wore pink gear and equipment to honor Mother’s Day, including catcher Christian Besancourt’s chest protectors and shin guards. Despite the loss of Diaz, the team can rely on their consistency, having completed four Grand Slams in their first 42 games.
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