Miller activated from disabled list, Snyder DFA'd
Cash plans to use infielder's versatility to plug holes
ST. PETERSBURG -- Brad Miller returned to the Rays' lineup for Friday night's wild 8-7, 10-inning win against the Twins, after he was activated from the 10-day disabled list. Miller had been out of action with a left groin strain since April 8. He finished with one hit, a game-tying RBI single in the bottom of the 9th.
In a corresponding roster move, the Rays designated infielder Brandon Snyder for assignment.
When a player's contract is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.
"Obviously excited to be back here, to be active," Miller said. "Join the guys and contribute."
"Good to have him back," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "We've kind of missed having that extra left-handed bat. His timing was good the last two days in Port Charlotte [playing for Class A Advanced Charlotte]. ... Everything was good. Ran hard. No issues whatsoever with the groin. So he's a full go."
Miller was hitting .222 with one home run and five RBIs prior to the injury. He played in two Minor League rehab games with Charlotte on Wednesday and Thursday.
With Matt Duffy on the 10-day DL with a strained right hamstring, Miller's return comes at a good time for the Rays. Cash said he plans to take advantage of Miller's positional flexibility and will primarily use him at first and second.
"I think right now it's going to be more first and second," Cash said. "[Joey Wendle has] played third, [Daniel Robertson] obviously plays third and short, so if we get in a bind with Duff being out over the next seven to ten days, [we'll have some coverage for] however long he's out. We'll mix and match. But we know Brad can play some second base and get over there for us."
Miller said he's comfortable with wherever Cash wants to play him.
"I think it's something I'm definitely capable of," Miller said. "My focus is, number one being healthy. Just excited for that. Number two, whatever position I have to play, go out there and make an impact defensively as well."
Synder was called up to the Major Leagues when Duffy went on the DL earlier this week. He started two games at third base, batting 1-for-6 with a double and two strikeouts in his first Major League action since 2016 with the Braves.
The 31-year-old journeyman -- who has spent time in the Orioles, Rangers, Red Sox, Braves and Nationals organizations -- signed with the Rays as a free agent in December.