Injury updates: Eovaldi, Tulo, Ramirez, more
Here's a roundup of the latest injury news as Opening Day approaches:
Nathan Eovaldi, Rays
The Rays' plan for a four-man rotation was dealt a serious blow on Wednesday, as Eovaldi will undergo arthroscopic surgery on a still-to-be-determined date to treat loose bodies in his pitching elbow.
Eovaldi is attempting to return from his second Tommy John surgery, but looked good in Grapefruit League action, compiling a 3.24 ERA over five starts and hitting the upper 90s on the radar gun. The Rays said that the ligament structure in Eovaldi's elbow appears to be sound, which is certainly good news considering his history.
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The Rays placed Eovaldi on the 10-day disabled list, and his status going forward will be contingent on the outcome of the surgery. Jake Faria's start will move up a day, to Sunday against the Red Sox. Righty Austin Pruitt was recalled from the Minors, though Tampa Bay has not named its fourth starter in the rotation to replace Eovaldi. More >
Timothy Lincecum, Rangers
MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reported that the two-time Cy Young Award winner is aiming to join the Rangers' roster at the beginning of May. Lincecum has been battling a pesky blister, and would still need to build up innings on his arm to be prepared for action. Texas signed Lincecum as a free agent on March 7, and he is expected to fill a bullpen role.
Troy Tulowitzki, Blue Jays
Toronto's star shortstop was scheduled to visit a foot specialist, and the team should have a better idea of his timetable based on that visit, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.
Tulowitzki has been battling inflammation in his right ankle, which began with bone spurs that were viewed as less threatening at the start of camp. The 33-year-old has told reporters that the ankle is most troublesome when he runs, but does not affect him at the plate or in taking ground balls. A spot would open up on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster should Tulowitzki need to go on the 60-day disabled list in a worst-case scenario.
Timothy Beckham, Orioles
The Orioles' projected starting third baseman participated in a simulated game on Tuesday and said he's "ready to go" for Opening Day against the Twins. Beckham suffered a minor groin strain last week, but appears set to take the field at a new spot as he and star shortstop Manny Machado switch positions in the infield.
The O's acquired Beckham from the division-rival Rays in a Deadline deal last July and the infielder went on a tear over the season's final two months, batting .306/.348/.523 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs in 50 games.
Jose Ramirez, Indians
Ramirez exited Tuesday's Spring Training finale vs. the D-backs after the first inning with a laceration on his left middle finger, but the third baseman tweeted that he's OK, and Indians manager Terry Francona expects him to be in Thursday's starting lineup against the Mariners.
Ramirez, who sustained the injury in the dugout, has batted .273 with five extra-base hits, seven RBIs, eight runs scored and nine walks in 22 Spring Training games.
Ramirez hit .318 with 29 home runs and scored 107 runs in 152 games in 2017, finishing third in the American League Most Valuable Player Award voting.
Rafael Devers, Red Sox
Devers, who exited Boston's exhibition victory over the Cubs on Monday with a right knee contusion, is expected to be in the lineup Opening Day vs. the Rays at Tropicana Field on Thursday.
"God permitting, I'll be able to make it that day. We'll see how I feel [Tuesday]," Devers said through interpreter Daveson Perez. "It feels a little painful now, but with treatment I'm sure I'll be ready for Opening Day."
Devers collided with Chicago catcher Victor Caratini at home plate while scoring a run in the second inning. He got up without help and walked back to the dugout, but was seen flexing his knee as he trotted back to the bench. Blake Swihart replaced Devers at third in the top of the next frame.
"At first, I felt scared because it was a clear pain in my knee," Devers said. "I thought it was worse, but I stood up and felt the knee was good."
"He'll be fine," manager Alex Cora said. "Probably give him [Tuesday] off, see how he reacts, obviously, and go from there. There's no need for him to get at-bats tomorrow or play the field. Expect him to be ready for Thursday."
Ian Kinsler, Angels
The second baseman, who is being slowed by groin tightness, was held out of the lineup for the second straight day on Tuesday.
Manager Mike Scioscia did not portray the injury as serious, although he was taking a wait-and-see attitude into Wednesday's off-day, when Kinsler would be reassessed.
"We're just erring on the side of caution right now and keeping him out of these games," Scioscia said.
Kinsler, who last played Sunday against the Dodgers, collecting a double in three at-bats, will go through a workout at Angel Stadium on Wednesday morning before the team travels to Oakland in advance of Thursday's season opener.
"He'll work out at 11 o'clock and we'll get an idea of where he is," Scioscia said. "But he's made a lot of progress."
In Kinsler's absence, Zack Cozart moved from third to second base and Luis Valbuena started at third.