MINNEAPOLIS -- Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier was removed from Thursday’s game against the Twins with right lower leg tightness. Kiermaier said he felt some discomfort on his calf during pregame warmups, but he tried to give it a shot during the game.

“You have to look at the big picture,” Kiermaier said. “I know I’ll be just fine. It’s just one of those random things. I never have calf tightness like that. As much as it hurt me to come out of the game, you have to look at the big picture, especially with all the time I’ve missed over the last couple years. I’d much rather miss a day or two rather than it be much worse. That was the final decision maker. I’m going to be just fine, not a doubt in my mind.”

After a diving attempt in the first inning and running down the first-base line on a groundout in the second inning, Rays manager Kevin Cash decided that it was best to take Kiermaier out at that point in the game.

“Probably me being a tick overcautious,” Cash said. “He was fine to play. I don’t know if he was thrilled about coming out of the game, but calves and a speed guy, it can be a little sensitive.”

Kiermaier is listed as day to day with the injury, and the outfielder doesn’t believe he’ll sit out for more than possibly Friday’s game against the Rangers.

“I expect to be playing very shortly,” Kiermaier said. “This is something that I’m not worried about. I felt like I could easily play today, but there are times when you have to look out for yourself. I know what kind of value I can bring this team when I’m on the field, and I just wanted to make sure that was a thing still. There’s not a doubt in my mind. I’ll be back very soon.”

After suffering serious injuries over the last two seasons, Kiermaier has been able to play in 71 games this season for Tampa Bay and has avoided a stint on the injured list. Kiermaier is hitting .243, but the Platinum Glove Award winner remains one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball.

If Kiermaier misses a game or two, expect Guillermo Heredia and Austin Meadows to handle most of the duties in center field in his absence.