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Rays journal: Tommy Hunter latest reliever to be injured

 
Alex Cobb accomplished something rare by picking off the same runner twice.
Alex Cobb accomplished something rare by picking off the same runner twice.
Published April 23, 2017

ST. PETERSBURG — The pair of silver crutches resting next to the locker of RHP Tommy Hunter were not an encouraging sign Saturday, especially because the reliever left the Rays' 6-3 win against the Astros in the sixth inning with right calf tightness.

"It's sore," Hunter said. "You don't really know until anything comes back, maybe get (an MRI exam) of it and see what the doctors say. I don't know if I'm going to be out there (today). It doesn't feel very good."

Manager Kevin Cash said the team would know more today but there was "definitely a concern," and Hunter landing on the disabled list was part of it. If he does go on the DL, Hunter would join LHP Xavier Cedeno, who was placed Friday on the 10-day DL with left forearm tightness. Cash said Cedeno would have more tests and he could be out for an extended period.

The Rays recalled RHP Ryan Garton from Triple-A Durham to replace Cedeno, leaving the bullpen without a left-handed reliever.

"A little tricky, for sure," Cash said. "We're fortunate we have a guy like Danny Farquhar that matches up pretty well against lefties, but we'll have to find some other guys that can go out there and get some big outs against them."

If Hunter goes on the DL, top RH prospect Ryne Stanek could be a candidate for promotion from Triple-A Durham. Stanek, 25, was the Rays' first-round pick in 2013.

Hunter was injured when he broke toward first to cover the bag when Astros C Evan Gattis grounded to 1B Logan Morrison.

"I got bit by a snake," Hunter joked. "It didn't feel good. It hurt a little bit. We'll see (today). I'll come in and see if it's any better."

Odorizzi ready

RHP Jake Odorizzi (left hamstring strain) put his leg to the test Saturday with a 36-pitch bullpen session, then did drills where he ran to cover first base and ran while changing directions.

"I tested it fully, and it's normal," he said.

Odorizzi is scheduled to come off the disabled list Wednesday when the Rays are in Baltimore. He should join the rotation on the upcoming trip, but not before he throws another bullpen session and pitches a round of live batting practice.

"I'm physically ready to go right now," Odorizzi said. "It's up to them, and we'll kind of see where it goes, I guess."

What's in a pickoff?

RHP Alex Cobb on Friday became the first pitcher in 14 years to pick off the same runner twice in one game when he caught Astros 2B Jose Altuve leaning toward second in the fourth and fifth innings. The last time that happened was 2003 when Cleveland LHP Terry Mulholland (Royals' Desi Relaford) and RHP Jason Davis (Yankees' Alfonso Soriano) did it. Cobb is the fourth Rays pitcher to pick off two runners in a game, the first since James Shields on July 5, 2011 at Minnesota.

Medical matters

OF Colby Rasmus (hip surgery) resumed his minor-league rehab Saturday at Double-A Montgomery. He played leftfield and was 1-for-3 with a double and two strikeouts. He could join the Rays next weekend in Toronto. … OF Mallex Smith (right hamstring strain) is scheduled to begin his minor-league rehab today with Class A Charlotte at Palm Beach.