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Matt Duffy scratched from lineup with sore Achillies

 
Matt Duffy was scratched from tonight’s lineup with soreness in his left Achilles tendon.
Matt Duffy was scratched from tonight’s lineup with soreness in his left Achilles tendon.
Published Sept. 6, 2016

SS Matt Duffy was scratched from tonight's lineup with soreness in his left Achilles tendon.

Nick Franklin will move from right field to first base, and Steven Souza Jr., is now in right field and batting fifth.

As the Tampa Bay Times reported today, Duffy is scheduled to have surgery on his left heel this weekend to alleviate the pressure that's causing the pain. He is scheduled to play through Thursday's game against the Yankees in New York then fly Friday to North Carolina for an examination with the doctor who will perform the surgery.

"We were going to wait until the end of the season," Duffy said, "but where we're at, I think it makes sense to give it a couple of extra weeks to make sure we're 100 percent ready to go come spring training."

Having the surgery this weekend will allow Duffy to complete his rehab by December. That will allow him to go through his normal offseason activity and be ready for the start of spring training.

Rays manager Kevin cash said Franklin and Brad Miller while share the shortstop position once Duffy leaves the team.

Cash reiterated before tonight's game that Miller is the team's first baseman. He added that Franklin is the "frontrunner" for the utility job next season. Showing he can handle shortstop over the remaining four weeks of the season will further enhance his versatility and value to the team.