The Tampa Bay Rays announced Monday night that outfielder Mikie Mahtook suffered a fractured left hand in their 7-4 defeat to the Cleveland Indians.
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Mahtook Placed on 15-Day DL
Tuesday, June 21
Mahtook injured his hand after getting hit by a pitch from Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin in the top of the second inning. He briefly remained in the game before being replaced by Taylor Motter in right field in the bottom of the third.
The Rays announced Tuesday they placed Mahtook on the 15-day disabled list, with Nick Franklin taking his spot on the active roster.
The injury comes at a terrible time for Tampa Bay. The team already has three outfielders—Brandon Guyer, Kevin Kiermaier and Steven Souza Jr.—on the 15-day disabled list. The Rays are also in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Baseball Prospectus gives them an 11.2 percent chance of reaching the postseason.
“We’re shaking our heads,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said, per the Associated Press and ESPN.com. “It’s a frustrating time right now, there’s no doubt about it.”
Jaff Decker is the likeliest candidate to take over for Mahtook in right on a temporary basis. Franklin and Motter will also be options for Cash going forward.
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