Rays journal: Daniel Robertson leaves with hamstring issue as latest injury

ST. PETERSBURG — If the comings and goings of the Rays infield weren't busy enough already, SS Daniel Robertson left Sunday's loss to the Mariners after one inning with tightness in his left hamstring, a move that could expedite prospect Willy Adames' return to the majors.

"I've never really had discomfort in my hamstring, so it kind of shocked me," Robertson said after the game. "I don't think it's anything too serious."

Robertson, who ranks third on team with 19 RBIs, said his hamstring "didn't feel right" as he tried to track down a foul ball in the top of the first, then on his ground-ball out to lead off the bottom of the inning, he "decided not to push it."

"Instead of being out four to six weeks, hopefully it's just a day-to-day thing," said Robertson, who was replaced by Joey Wendle. "I just decided to be smart about it."

Manager Kevin Cash said the move was "precautionary," with no roster moves announced immediately after the game.

Adames joined the Rays for a three-game cameo two weeks ago, but could soon be back in the majors for good.

Rehab update

Two Rays regulars will begin rehab assignments in the next two days with Class A Charlotte in Dunedin as OF Kevin Kiermaier (thumb) and SS Adeiny Hechavarria (hamstring) work their way back from extended absences.
Hechavarria will begin his rehab stint Monday, while Kiermaier, who took live batting practice Sunday, is expected to join him Tuesday. Manager Kevin Cash cautioned that the Rays will be patient with both players and not rush them back to the majors. Kiermaier has been out since April 16, while Hechaverria has been sidelined since May 19.

Starter to closer

RHP Ryne Stanek was scheduled to start Monday night's home game against Toronto, but with a one-run game against the Mariners, he pitched the ninth inning Sunday, needing 24 pitches for a scoreless frame. Rookie Ryan Yarbrough (4-2, 3.68) will step in as the "opener," having lasted at least five innings in each of his past seven appearances, mostly in relief. "The bullpen was pretty taxed," said manager Kevin Cash, who used four relievers an inning each Sunday. "(Pitching coach) Kyle (Snyder) did everything we could not to overwork any one of those guys, so hopefully they can all bounce back and pitch for us (Monday) if needed."

Cron again

1B C.J. Cron now has 15 home runs, twice as many as his closest teammate and already just one off his career high, set in each of the past three seasons. He's one of just six players to hit at least 15 home runs in each of his first four major-league seasons in the past decade, in strong company with Giancarlo Stanton, Yoenis Cespedes, Evan Gattis, George Springer and Jose Abreu.

Cron has just three hits in his past 24 at-bats, but all three have been home runs. He's on pace to finish with 38 home runs for the season, a mark reached only three times in Rays history: Carlos Pena in 2007 and 2009 and Logan Morrison last year.

This and that

Rookie 1B Jake Bauers got his first career RBI with a fourth-inning double. … Former Rays closer Alex Colome, traded to Seattle last month, factored in runs scored by Tampa Bay in all three Mariners wins in the weekend series. He gave up two Thursday, one Friday, then allowed an inherited runner to score in the eighth Sunday. … Mariners OF Nelson Cruz, who hit home runs Saturday and Sunday, now has nine homers at Tropicana Field since 2014. That's one more than Steve Pearce and Josh Donaldson for the most of any Rays opponent in that span.