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Rays journal: Brad Miller expects short stay on DL

 
Rays second baseman Brad Miller says he believes he’ll be out the minimum with a mild left abdominal strain.
Rays second baseman Brad Miller says he believes he’ll be out the minimum with a mild left abdominal strain.
Published May 20, 2017

ST. PETERSBURG — 2B Brad Miller (left abdominal strain) does not expect his first career trip to the disabled list to be a long one. He is targeting a May 26 return, which is the first day he is eligible to be active.

"Anytime he's been nicked up he's shown the ability to be a quick healer," manager Kevin Cash said. "Hopefully that stays true."

Miller suffered the injury while running to first base Monday during his final at-bat against the Indians. He did not play Tuesday and Wednesday. An MRI exam taken Thursday showed what Miller called a mild to moderate strain.

"I don't foresee it being too big of an issue as long as we take care of it and get out in front of it," Miller said. "It's not a fun decision to go on the DL, but I think it's a smart decision."

INF Daniel Robertson will start at second base in Miller's absence. UTL Michael Martinez was acquired Thursday from the Indians in exchange for cash or a player to be named later to fill Robertson's utility role.

"He's super versatile," Cash said of Martinez. "He seems like he has comfort at any position to just go catch the ball."

Robertson made his ninth start Friday at second, his most at any position.

"Robby's done some good things for us this year, especially on the defensive side of the ball," Cash said. "He's played tremendously wherever we asked him to play, but this is probably going to help him get his timing going a little bit."

Robertson entered the game batting .183 with three home runs and six RBIs. While not happy about the circumstances, Robertson is eager for the chance to play every day, even if it is temporary.

"I think everyone gets that joy when they get that opportunity," he said. "This is what you play the game for, to kind of put your foot in the door."

Duffy update

SS Matt Duffy (heel), who stopped his minor-league rehab because of soreness in the area, participated in pregame batting practice and took ground balls. Manager Kevin Cash said Duffy is expected to do it again today.

"Sounds like it's not a major concern," Cash said.

The Rays expect Duffy to resume his rehab shortly.

More medical matters

RHP Tommy Hunter (right calf strain) is scheduled to throw live batting practice today. … C Wilson Ramos (offseason knee surgery) hit on the field Friday for the first time.

Tommy John surgery for Tolleson

RHP Shawn Tolleson, signed in the offseason to a one-year, $1 million contract, will miss the rest of the season after having Tommy John surgery Wednesday. The reliever began the year on the disabled list with a right flexor strain. He will rehab in Dallas.

Quote of the day

"He was hitting balls where you normally don't see balls go."

Manager Kevin Cash on the impressive round of batting practice by injured C Wilson Ramos

Miscellany

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