Tampa Bay Rays catcher Mike Zunino. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Rays All-Star C Mike Zunino placed on IL with left shoulder inflammation

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Jun 10, 2022 2:11 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays lost All-Star reliever -- and primary closer -- Andrew Kittredge to the injured list on Thursday . Power-hitting catcher Mike Zunino joined him on the shelf on Friday.

Hearing Pinto is on his way to Minnesota, most likely means Zunino headed to IL for #Rays, has been dealing with a left shoulder issue
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 10, 2022

While Zunino has struggled in the early part of this season, he's coming off a 2021 campaign in which he made his first All-Star team. The backstop shattered his previous career high with 33 home runs last year, while also posting career-best marks in runs scored (64), slugging percentage (.559) and OPS (.860).

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times later confirmed that Zunino was officially headed to the IL.

Per Topkin, the 31-year-old also dealt with a shoulder ailment during spring training, though it's "unclear" if this injury is related to the prior issue.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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