The Tampa Bay Rays have placed outfielder Manuel Margot on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, as relayed by team broadcaster Neil Solondz. Right-handed pitcher Ralph Garza Jr. has been recalled in a corresponding move.
The loss of Margot is certainly a blow for the Rays, as he was off to an excellent start to the season. For most of his career, he’s provided value with his elite speed and defense, despite hitting slightly below league average. His career batting line is .255/.310/.393, amounting to a wRC+ of 92, or 8% below average. But in 2022, he’s hitting .348/.412/.500 for a wRC+ of 178, allowing him to produce 1.2 fWAR in just 27 games. No timetable was provided for his absence.
The Rays are adept at putting together excellent depth across their roster and should be able to weather Margot’s departure. Margot missed the Tuesday and Wednesday games due to this hamstring issue and then was the designated hitter on Friday and Saturday. Kevin Kiermaier, Randy Arozarena, Harold Ramirez, Brett Phillips and Vidal Brujan got the outfield playing time in those games.
By adding another arm to the active roster, the Rays now have 12 position players and 14 pitchers on the club. This is allowed for now and through May 29, after which a 13-pitcher maximum will take effect. Unless Margot is ready to return before then, the club will have to add another position player into the mix. It’s possible that outfield prospect Josh Lowe, who was with the team earlier this year, could be considered for such a promotion. Since being optioned, he’s hit will in Triple-A with a slash line of .270/.341/.676. However, he does have a 48.8% strikeout rate working against him at the moment.
More must-reads: