Tampa Bay Rays Get Encouraging Injury Update on Starting OF as Playoffs Loom

The Tampa Bay Rays are headed to the postseason this year as a wild card team and they are hopeful that starting outfielder Jose Siri will be able to join them.

Siri, who has been rehabbing a hand injury, has gotten encouraging reports on his health this week.

Per a report from MLB.com:

Siri went on the injured list on Sept. 12, a day after being hit by a pitch on his right hand in the fifth inning of a game against the Twins. He had follow-up imaging done on the hand on Sept. 21 and saw a doctor on Sept. 27, a visit that included even more imaging. Manager Kevin Cash said Siri was "very encouraged with what he saw" and intends to resume baseball activities -- including throwing and hand-strengthening exercises...

The Rays have been decimated by injuries so getting any one back would be a big win for Kevin Cash's team.

They are without Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs and Shane McClanahan on the pitching front and also don't know about the possible availability moving forward of slugger Luke Raley.

Then there's the Wander Franco situation, which appears set to keep him out of the playoffs entirely as well.

The 28-year-old Siri is only hitting .222 this year but features an incredibly valuable power-speed combo. He's got 25 home runs this season and has stolen 12 bases. He also plays very solid defense in the outfield.

He was acquired in 2022 in a trade with the Houston Astros. Overall, he's in his third major league season with Houston and Tampa Bay. He's a lifetime .223 hitter with 36 homers, 89 RBI and 29 steals.

The Rays will begin the final series of the regular season on Friday night in Toronto against the Blue Jays.