Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash provided an encouraging update on rookie outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. as the team manages his recent hamstring injury.
Mesa was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain after the issue resurfaced during Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Ryan Bass of Sports Radio 95.3 WDAE, Cash said Mesa is progressing well and could be looking at a minimum-length stint on the injured list if his recovery continues without setbacks.
The update is particularly important for a Rays team sitting atop the American League East. Tampa Bay entered Aug. 20 with a 76-50 record and a five-game lead over the New York Yankees, making the health of its young contributors increasingly important with the postseason approaching.
Mesa initially experienced tightness in his left hamstring on Aug. 14 and missed three straight games. He returned to the lineup Tuesday against Toronto but lasted only 3.5 innings before the hamstring became “cranky” again, forcing the Rays to remove him from the game.
The 24-year-old has become a useful piece for Tampa Bay’s outfield depth this season, particularly after Jake Fraley suffered a long-term injury. Mesa has appeared in 56 games, collecting 10 home runs and 22 RBIs while providing some needed power despite a .214 batting average.
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The Rays have responded to his absence by bringing up catcher Kenny Piper and right-handed pitcher Chris Roycroft from Triple-A Durham. Jonny DeLuca and Ryan Vilade can also help cover the outfield while Mesa works his way back.
Cash’s update gives Tampa Bay reason to remain optimistic. If Mesa can progress through the next several days without another setback, the Rays could have their rookie back relatively quickly as they continue pushing toward October.
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