Rays juggle roster for Loney paternity leave, Escobar injury

Rays juggle roster for Loney baby, Escobar injury

TORONTO — The Rays placed first baseman James Loney on the paternity list Thursday and recalled infielder Ryan Roberts, who also will provide depth given the uncertain status of shortstop Yunel Escobar.

Loney, whose wife is having labor induced, can be gone up to three days; Roberts was scratched from Triple-A Durham's lineup Thursday.

Escobar left Sunday's game with a right hamstring strain and was in the trainer's room at the Trop workout on Thursday. If he isn't ready by the time Loney returns, the Rays could consider putting Escobar on the disabled list.

Asked about Escobar, manager Joe Maddon said: "He said he felt pretty good, so I need to see him out here, though, to find out how good."

Ben Zobrist would seem most likely to start in Escobar's place, with Roberts and/or Kelly Johnson at second base. Sean Rodriguez or Luke Scott would likely take Loney's place.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer