Rays’ Joey Wendle headed to injured list, Christian Arroyo to Trop

UPDATE, 2:20: The Rays have made the move official, saying Wendle has a left hamstring strain.

DEVELOPING: Rays infielder Joey Wendle is headed to the injured list and the Rays are planning to call up former Hernando High star Christian Arroyo to replace him, the Tampa Bay Times has learned.

Wendle strained his left hamstring on a play at second in the sixth inning on Sunday, was removed from the game and headed for an MRI exam, which must have showed the Rays he would need time off, at least the minimum 10 days.

Arroyo had some time with the Rays in 2018, hitting .264 with one homer and six RBIs but spent most of the season at Triple-A Durham and much of dealing with a series of injuries. He reported to camp this spring fully healthy and in better shape, but was sent down relatively early so he could get regular reps in minor-league camp.

Losing Wendle impacts the Rays lineup against right-handed pitchers as he gave them a lefty hitting option at second base, shortstop or third base. While Arroyo has the versatility to play all three positions, he is a right-handed hitter.

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The timing of the call-up likely will allow Arroyo to return with the Rays this weekend to San Francisco to face the Giants, the team that drafted him and brought him to the majors, then traded him to the Rays in December 2017 in the blockbuster deal for Evan Longoria.

The Rays are also dealing with third-base coach Rodney Linares having a minor leg issue that forced him off the field in Sunday’s game, though bench coach Matt Quatraro replaced him and may do so again tonight against the Rockies.