ST. PETERSBURG — Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Díaz, who leads the American League with a .336 batting average, exited Saturday’s game against Arizona with a left shoulder strain and is considered day to day.
“I’m not going to lie. I’m hurting a little bit,” Díaz said through interpreter Kevin Vera. “But it’s stuff that I’ve managed, and we’ve got to keep at it and keep going day to day and take it a game at a time and keep moving forward.”
Díaz looked uncomfortable after fouling off a pitch during a 10-pitch at-bat against Arizona starter Merrill Kelly in the fifth inning, prompting a visit from manager Kevin Cash and head athletic trainer Joe Benge. Díaz finished the at-bat — a groundout to shortstop Geraldo Perdomo — but still appeared in discomfort as he trotted down the first-base line. He left the dugout with Benge, and Richie Palacios pinch-hit for him to lead off the seventh inning.
Cash said Díaz has managed discomfort in his left shoulder for “five years, probably” and sometimes aggravates the area while swinging or sliding. Díaz acknowledged the pain is persistent.
“I honestly feel it even when I just lift up my arm,” he said. “I’ve dealt with these things in the past, and I do a good job managing them.”
The 33-year-old has been arguably Tampa Bay’s most valuable player this season, posting a .931 OPS — fifth-best in the American League — with 12 homers and 53 RBIs. Despite the injury history, Díaz expressed no concern about missing significant time.
“I’ve done everything. Honestly, I’ve even played a little bit while hurting,” he said. “Look, I’m going to keep doing what I’ve got to keep doing. I’ve done this in the past. I feel really good about this moving forward.”
The Rays travel to Kansas City on Sunday night before a scheduled off-day Monday, giving Díaz extra rest. He said he expects to be back in the lineup Tuesday night against the Royals.
“I feel like I’ll be ready,” he said.