Richie Palacios Injury Update

HOUSTON — Infielder/outfielder Richie Palacios seemingly will miss 4 to six weeks, and doubtlessly the remainder of the common season, after an MRI revealed a sprain of his proper knee.

Manager Kevin Cash stated surgical procedure will not be deliberate, however how Palacios — who was harm operating the bases Wednesday — responds to relaxation will dictate a plan of action and the way lengthy he’s out. A sprain is usually thought-about a tear; the Rays didn’t specify the particular location of the damage.

“He’s going to miss a while, in all probability 4 to six weeks,” Cash stated. “I feel it’s type of 10 to 15 days of (being) shut down, after which see how he’s feeling, how he’s transferring round. (He’ll) actually look to strengthen across the quad space and (then) have one other physician go to.”

Asked if Palacios would return earlier than the top of the common season, Cash stated, “Hopefully. I don’t know but; it’s early.”

Palacios, acquired in January from St. Louis, has been a useful addition, stating at 4 positions, enjoying primarily second base and proper discipline, whereas hitting .233 with 5 homers, 21 RBIs, 19 steals, and a .682 OPS.

To substitute Palacios on the lively roster, the Rays known as up outfielder Kameron Misner, a lefty hitter, from Triple-A Durham.

Replacing Palacios within the discipline will take contributions from a number of different gamers as effectively. Outfielder Dylan Carlson, a switch-hitter acquired this week from the Cardinals, is probably going to get extra enjoying time.

The infield rotation additionally can be impacted.

Cash stated the Rays plan to maintain newly acquired Christopher Morel primarily at second, the place he and Brandon Lowe can cut up time in addition to DH days. Lowe additionally bought a crash course in first base — which he final performed in 2021 and final began a sport in 2019 — and is probably going to be used there as a backup to Yandy Diaz, a task beforehand stuffed by Isaac Paredes, who was traded to the Cubs.

Jose Caballero and Curtis Mead will share time at third base, whereas Caballero and Taylor Walls will each get begins at shortstop.

Misner ‘very excited’ about alternative

Though he appeared fairly calm speaking about it, Misner stated he was “very excited” about his first journey to the majors.

Misner, 26, was the No. 35 choose within the 2019 draft by the Marlins and was acquired by the Rays in a November 2021 commerce for Joey Wendle. Playing at Triple-A Durham in 2023 and this season, he was recognized for his energy, pace on the bases, and robust protection. In 94 video games this yr, he hit .247 with 15 homers, 45 RBIs, 27 steals, and an .802 OPS, whereas hanging out 132 instances.

“He’s a man that we’ve recognized for some time; he’s made good impressions in camp,” Cash stated. “Everybody that has managed him, all of them rave concerning the man. So the group is fairly excited. … He’s finished some good issues in Triple A so we’ll get him up right here to come off the bench and see if we get him a begin in opposition to a right-hander right here within the coming days.”

Misner stated he wasn’t fascinated with a promotion when Triple-A supervisor Morgan Ensberg known as a group assembly earlier than Thursday’s sport.

“I used to be shocked,” he stated. “The dream is to be right here. But the one factor I used to be wanting ahead to that day was to play for the Bulls. So I used to be simply preparing for the sport then that occurred.”

Miscellany

Pitching coach Kyle Snyder was ejected within the fourth inning after sharing his displeasure on a check-swing name. … The Rays are planning to use lefty Tyler Alexander and a number of other relievers in some mixture Sunday, giving Jeffrey Springs and different starters further relaxation. … TV analyst Brian Anderson is taking this journey off, with pre-/post-game analyst Doug Waechter filling in. … Saturday’s sport is unique to Fox, so there isn’t a Bally TV protection. … Power-hitting first baseman Xavier Isaac, the Rays’ 2022 prime draft choose, was promoted to Double-A Montgomery.

• • •

Conclusion

In conclusion, Richie Palacios’ damage could have important implications for the Tampa Bay Rays’ lineup and defensive technique for the rest of the common season. The group will want to depend on depth and flexibility to fill the void left by Palacios’ absence.

FAQs

1. How lengthy is Richie Palacios anticipated to be out due to his knee damage?

Richie Palacios is probably going to miss 4 to six weeks, with the potential for sitting out the remainder of the common season.

2. Who will substitute Palacios within the Rays’ lineup?

Outfielder Kameron Misner has been known as up from Triple-A Durham to fill in for Palacios.

3. What changes will the Rays make to compensate for Palacios’ absence?

The Rays plan to make the most of gamers like Dylan Carlson, Christopher Morel, and Brandon Lowe in numerous positions to cowl for Palacios’ damage.