MLB.com's Bill Chastain has learned that the Rays placed catcher Wilson Ramos on the disabled list Wednesday (retroactive to Sunday) with a left hamstring strain, and they also reinstated left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado from the family medical emergency list.
The 30-year-old Ramos strained his hamstring during the Rays' 19-6 rout of the Twins on Saturday, and the injury kept him out of Tuesday's All-Star Game. Ramos won the fan vote and was originally slated to start the Midsummer Classic behind the plate. Ramos told reporters Saturday that he expected to go on the disabled list, and Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported Wednesday that the strain is likely to keep Ramos out of Major League action beyond the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Ramos was in the midst of a strong offensive season, as he appeared fully healthy in his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee sustained in 2016. The ninth-year backstop finished his first half batting .297 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs to earn his second All-Star Game nod.
Ramos' extended injury timetable could influence the Rays' plans leading into the upcoming Trade Deadline. Tampa Bay sits two games over .500 at 49-47, but it is 8 1/2 games back of Seattle in the hunt for the American League's second Wild Card spot. Ramos figured to be a significant trade chip if the Rays decided to become sellers at the Deadline. Ramos will be a free agent this offseason, as he finishes up the two-year, $12.5 million deal he inked before the 2017 season.