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Rays journal: Manager Kevin Cash hopes for quick recovery from broken foot

 
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash, second from left, props his leg up on a bucket in the dugout during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, Sunday, July 2, 2017. Cash fractured his ankle while out for a run before Sunday's game. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) MDPS107
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash, second from left, props his leg up on a bucket in the dugout during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, Sunday, July 2, 2017. Cash fractured his ankle while out for a run before Sunday's game. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) MDPS107
Published July 3, 2017

BALTIMORE — Rays manager Kevin Cash is banking that the broken left foot and sprained ankle he sustained Sunday morning while running near Camden Yards will limit his activity for only a short amount of time.

"I hope it limits me from having to walk around downtown Chicago on (today's) off day (with his family) and then it's back to managing on Tuesday," Cash said. "I'm optimistic that I'll be able to get mobile here very soon."

Cash managed Sunday's game against the Orioles sitting on the bench in the dugout, with crutches nearby. He has a walking boot to wear away from the field but is hopeful he won't need to wear it during games. Pitching coach Jim Hickey handled the pitching changes and will continue to do so; presumably bench coach Tom Foley will handle any onfield discussions with umpires.

Cash was out for his usual pregame run when he took a misstep crossing train tracks near the stadium, and he knew from the pain something was wrong as he had to limp back to the stadium. X-rays and a doctor's exam revealed the fracture and sprained ligaments, though surgery is not necessary.

"Pretty embarrassing, to be honest with you," Cash said. "I don't know what's causing more pain right now; it's not very comfortable."

$3.825M for top international prospect

Many 16-year-olds are happy to be flipping burgers for $8 an hour.

Wander Samuel Franco, a 16-year-old switch-hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic, is doing a little better after signing with the Rays for $3.825 million.

Franco was considered the top prospect on the international market, for which the signing period opened Sunday, and is known for his bat speed and power. He is the nephew of former Rays INF Willy Aybar and Padres SS Erick Aybar, and has two older brothers, also named Wander, already playing third base in the Astros and Royals systems.

"We are excited to bring Wander Samuel into the organization. We saw this as an opportunity to add to our system a high-caliber, switch-hitting shortstop with a good blend of tools and skills," international scouting director Carlos Rodriguez said in a statement.

"He's very young but very mature with great bloodlines. This signing was a great team effort, led by (Dominican Republic scouting supervisor) Danny Santana, and with contributions by scouts from the Dominican, Venezuela and the United States. I can't say enough about all of our scouts and the job they did to make this happen."

Per Baseball America, Franco is trained by Rudy Santin, who worked with the Devil Rays through the 2005 season.

Sucre concerned, Rasmus delayed, more medical

C Jesus Sucre is going for a CT scan of his right wrist today after X-rays were inconclusive; he was struck by a pitch that first hit O's SS Ruben Tejada in the third inning. "The X-rays don't look that bad," he said. "I just hope everything is okay. … It hurt so bad, I was scared out there." If Sucre is out, the Rays could recall Curt Casali. … OF/DH Colby Rasmus, out since June 18, will be sidelined at least through the All-Star break due to left hip discomfort that is "very much an issue," Cash said. "It's going to be a little bit of time." … Tim Beckham returned to action, starting at shortstop and making several strong plays, after being forced out of Friday's game and sitting out Saturday with a sore left ankle. SS Adeiny Hechavarria got the day off. … INF Brad Miller (groin strain) went 1-for-4 with a double Sunday in his third rehab game for the advanced Class A Stone Crabs but won't be activated until Thursday at the soonest.

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Quote of the day

"I'm hoping I can get to the point where I can ride a bike because if not, I'll get fat real quick."

Kevin Cash, on being idled from running due to a broken left foot.

Miscellany

. The Cubs moving LHP Jon Lester up to Tuesday will end the Rays' run of facing 10 consecutive right-handed starters.