ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rays received a wave of encouraging injury news as they opened their final regular-season homestand at Tropicana Field, with right-hander Manuel Rodríguez expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday and infielder Ben Williamson tracking toward a return before the postseason.
Rodríguez has been out since Sept. 3 with a lower back strain. Manager Kevin Cash called it a “big step” for the pitcher to get back on the mound and face hitters, and the quick turnaround to a game assignment suggests he should return before the regular season ends.
Williamson, sidelined since Aug. 6 with a strained right hamstring, took part in the Rays’ pregame workout Friday and will spend three days with the team. If all goes well, he is expected to join Durham for a rehab assignment during the Bulls’ final series against Worcester from Sept. 15-20, potentially allowing him to reclaim his role as a key part of Tampa Bay’s infield mix.
The Rays turned to Jorge Mateo in Williamson’s absence, and Mateo is currently serving as the starting shortstop while Taylor Walls is sidelined with a right hip flexor strain sustained in Texas last weekend. Walls fielded grounders during pregame infield drills Friday and has been encouraged by his progress. Getting both Walls and Williamson back would make the Rays’ infield whole heading into October.
On the pitching side, starter Shane McClanahan, dealing with left forearm tightness, played light catch Friday, and lefty reliever Garrett Cleavinger, also battling left forearm tightness, is scheduled to play catch Saturday. Cash tempered expectations on both arms. “I think that’s a good sign, but you don’t really find anything out until you really go and stand on it,” Cash said. “Encouraged that they’re making progress.”
Outfielder Jake Fraley, sidelined since May 16 with hernia and groin injuries, has not played for Durham on his rehab assignment since last Sunday but is expected to rejoin the Bulls soon after having to leave the club to go home. Lux, who has not played for the Rays all season, will continue to participate in baseball activities.
Durham’s final series against Worcester runs Sept. 15-20, giving Williamson and potentially other rehabbing Rays a narrow window to prove their readiness before the regular season closes.