Rays’ Jason Adam getting ready to return from the injured list

ST. PETERSBURG — Jason Adam had a great view of the action this weekend. The Rays reliever wished he hadn’t, but he spent Thursday-Sunday in front of his television watching his teammates battle the Orioles in Baltimore.

“They were fun games to watch over battles,” Adam said. “I thought we played great baseball. So, it was hard to watch it not being able to contribute, but it’s also fun to watch those guys go out there and compete in huge playoff-atmosphere games. So, I wish I could have been there, but glad to support the fellas any way I could.”

Adam, who went on the injured list Sept. 3 (retroactive to Aug. 31) with a left oblique strain, was more than a fan this weekend. He was watching for a possible rematch, as he hopes to come off the IL soon.

Before Tuesday’s series-opening game against the Angels at Tropicana Field, Adam threw a live batting practice session (pitching to four “batters”), the next step toward getting back.

“I felt nothing,” Adam said of the oblique. “The pitches were around the zone, and their movement profiles can be similar to where it was. And I felt like that’s where we were. So, now we’ll see. As long as I bounce back well, (Wednesday), hopefully, should be ready to rock and roll.”

Manager Kevin Cash called it “a really good sign.”

“Off the mound for the third time now, two bullpens and a live (BP). So, we’ll see how he comes in (Wednesday) and start those discussions,” Cash said. “But no doubt, we’ve missed him and we need him back.”

Though it was hard to sit out the Rays’ battle with the American League East-leading Orioles, Adam said the time was productive. He studied Baltimore’s hitters in case the teams meet in the playoffs.

“You can see just how they respond when new bullpen arms come in and stuff like that,” Adam said. " It’s honestly easier to take notes on TV. You see more details. You can just pick up tendencies.”

Raley feeling better

After missing the previous two games with a stiff neck, outfielder Luke Raley said he was feeling better Tuesday, though he did not play.

Cash went with a heavy right handed-hitting lineup against lefty Patrick Sandoval. Raley said before the game he would be available off the bench if needed.

“I mean, I am still sore,” Raley said, “but it’s much better than it was.”

Raley had a freak accident during batting practice Saturday in Baltimore. He ran into team Spanish-language translator Manny Navarro while chasing a fly ball and missed the final two games of the series.

“Raley has been much better,” Cash said. “Luke is able to move a little bit more. He was really encouraged by the progress that he made even from (Monday) coming in to get treatment (Tuesday).”

Walls is back

Shortstop Taylor Walls was activated off the paternity list before Tuesday’s game. He and his wife, Hallie, welcomed their second child over the weekend. Davis Nolan Walls was born Sunday, joining big sister Sutton.

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“We’re happy to welcome him into the family. Sutton’s very happy, too,” Walls said. “It’s been an exciting last couple of days. Everybody’s healthy. Everybody’s recovering well. So, yeah, a new addition to the family, and we’re excited.”

Walls said the name Nolan is a derivation of ‘Noles, a nod to the Florida State Seminoles, where he went to college.

He went 0-for-2 with two walks in Tuesday’s 6-2 win, getting on base and scoring during the Rays’ four-run eighth inning.

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