Duffy 'getting close' to returning to Rays

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays are getting closer to restoring a trio of injured players to the active roster.

Third baseman Matt Duffy, who has been sidelined all season with left hamstring tightness, went 4-for-5 in a game with Triple-A Durham on Thursday. Rays manager Kevin Cash said that Duffy probably will have a couple more days in Durham before the team has to make a decision.

“Spoke with him last night,” Cash said before Friday night’s 9-2 loss to the White Sox. “He won’t play [Friday], but he’ll play tomorrow for Durham. He’s getting close.”

When he returns, Duffy will play third base and shortstop for the Rays, but he won’t see much outfield work, which was a potential spot for him coming out of Spring Training. Given Duffy’s hamstring issues, the Rays will likely keep him in the two positions where he feels most comfortable.

“We have some time to think about where he plays,” Cash said. “Him playing short and starting a game at short, that was really not that big of a deal. He plays enough shortstop with a left-handed shift that he’s fine over there.”

Reliever Chaz Roe also appears close to returning to the Rays’ bullpen. Roe has had some struggles this season, posting a 5.27 ERA in the first half. He has been sidelined with a right flexor strain since July 12.

On Friday, the right-hander threw a bullpen session of 18 or 19 pitches, according to Cash.

As for Brandon Lowe, he’s still feeling the effects of a bruised right shin and remains a few days away from his return to the lineup. There’s still no definitive plan, but Lowe hopes that he will need just one or two rehab games at Class A Advanced Charlotte before being ready to rejoin the big league club.

“We’re still waiting on a couple of other things to work [themselves] out, but each day we’re doing more and more stuff,” Lowe said. “I’m feeling really good right now, so hopefully it’s not much longer.”