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Kevin Kiermaier set to rejoin Rays Tuesday

 
Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said he hopes to begin a rehab assignment next week that could have him back in a Rays uniform around June 20. [ JIM DAMASKE  |  Times ]
Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said he hopes to begin a rehab assignment next week that could have him back in a Rays uniform around June 20. [ JIM DAMASKE | Times ]
Published June 18, 2018|Updated June 18, 2018

CF Kevin Kiermaier is here in Houston and will work out with the Rays today, and said that if all goes well he will be activated on Tuesday.

That would be a couple days ahead of his most recent timetable, which had him slated to return to Friday.

Kiermaier said he kept texting manager Kevin Cash and hitting coach Chad Mottola to convince them he was ready after just five rehab games, and said he passed all tests.

He said his surgically repaired right thumb was still a bit sore and will be for a while, but it "feels good enough" and is "pretty close to 100 percent."

Kiermaier said he will continue to slide headfirst, which is how he hurt the thumb in April, but will wear protective gear.

Manager Kevin Cash said all involved parties felt Kiermaier was ready and that they are a better team with him. Kiermaier will go back to centerfield, with Mallex Smith presumably sliding over to left to share time with Johnny Field. Carlos Gomez seems likely to remain in rightfield.

The Rays will have to make room not just on the 25-man roster but the 40-man, as Kiermaier is on the 60-day DL.