Notes: Anderson to IL; Robertson traded
Nick Anderson became the ninth Rays pitcher to land on the injured list this season on Sunday in the latest in a string of injuries that has stressed the organization's pitching depth. Lefty Josh Fleming became the 11th pitcher to start a game for the Rays, the most in club history through 29 games. After using five starters in their first 14 games this season, the Rays have used 11 in their last 15, including Sunday.
Anderson experienced right forearm discomfort after a one-inning appearance against the Yankees on Wednesday. Manager Kevin Cash hadn’t used him since then. The move is retroactive to Thursday, so he could return as early as Aug. 30.
Anderson underwent an MRI that he said showed no structural issues.
“It’s unfortunate,” Cash said. “He just wasn't feeling himself, and just like with all the other guys, we want to do right by them, do whatever we can to get them back as soon as possible.
“From the reports of our medical team and the doctors, we’re hopeful that this will be somewhat of a short stint. We all know how big of a part of our team he is.”
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Anderson was also optimistic, saying, “I'm not really worried, honestly. A couple days off and kind of get back in the swing of things. It should be good in a week or so. It's just kind of one of those things right now with the team -- we’re short on pitching and need all the help we can get.”
Now about those injured pitchers. If you’re counting, that’s two starters, six relievers and top prospect Brendan McKay. That the Rays have continued to figure out ways to win speaks volumes about the organization’s depth.
“There’s a lot of guys that we count on,” Blake Snell said. “I never thought it would be this bad. It sucks, because all these guys work hard and put a lot into it.
“But it's given a lot of other guys opportunities, and hopefully those guys can take advantage of their opportunities and make the most of it.”
Snell over spring shoulder issue
Having reached the 90-pitch threshold in his last start, Snell said his recovery from a spring shoulder issue is pretty much complete. Or as he put it on Sunday, “I'm a starting pitcher now. That’s two starts where I’ve gotten to five innings. I’m not an opener. Can’t call me that. So definitely excited about that.”
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Roster moves
The Rays called up right-hander Edgar García from the alternate training site to take Anderson’s place on the active roster. In addition, left-hander Sean Gilmartin was designated for assignment to clear a spot for Sunday’s starter, Fleming. ... The Rays traded infielder Daniel Robertson to the Giants for a player to be named or cash considerations. Robertson had been designated for assignment earlier this week.