Advertisement

Rays vs. Yankees: Pete Fairbanks on 10-day injured list

The reliever said his shoulder issue is similar to what shelved him earlier this season. An MRI later today will show more.
 
Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. [ CHRIS O'MEARA | AP ]
Published July 29, 2021

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays’ pitching injury woes continued Thursday when reliever Pete Fairbanks was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

Fairbanks was replaced on the 26-man roster by right-hander Chris Mazza, who will begin his sixth stint with the major-league team this season after being recalled from Triple-A Durham.

The Rays have 14 players (all pitchers) on the IL, tying the franchise’s single-game record.

“Being hurt is very frustrating, and I’ve lost a lot of time to it already,” said Fairbanks, who served an early season IL stint with a right rotator-cuff strain that caused him to miss 25 games.

“Hopefully, it’s not as bad as it was early on. It’s frustrating to put your team in that spot. Not being able to contribute, it weighs on you a little bit. Hopefully, it’s just a minor setback.”

The Rays hope to gain clarity later Thursday, when Fairbanks is scheduled to undergo an MRI. Fairbanks left Wednesday night’s game against the Yankees in the 10th inning, saying he first felt discomfort after throwing a slider to Aaron Judge.

“I think Pete is frustrated,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We’re hoping it’s not as severe as his last injury.”

Rays pitchers on the IL include Nick Anderson, Chris Archer, Jalen Beeks, Yonny Chirinos, Oliver Drake, J.P. Feyereisen, Tyler Glasnow, Tommy Hunter, Collin McHugh, Colin Poche, Cody Reed, Chaz Roe, Ryan Thompson and now Fairbanks.

Designated hitter Nelson Cruz remains out of the Rays’ lineup due to a bruised right foot but is available to pinch-hit, as he did Wednesday.

Here is the Rays’ lineup, as they seek to avoid a series sweep by the Yankees:

And here is the lineup for the Yankees, who will add trade acquisition Joey Gallo on Friday when they play the Marlins:

• • •

Sign up for the Rays Report weekly newsletter to get fresh perspectives on the Tampa Bay Rays and the rest of the majors from sports columnist John Romano.

Never miss out on the latest with the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, Florida college sports and more. Follow our Tampa Bay Times sports team on Twitter and Facebook.