ST. PETERSBURG, Fla, — Tampa Bay center fielder Kevin Kiermaier expects to return from a left hip injury Friday night at Toronto, a welcome development for the injury-plagued Rays.
The Rays, who are tied for the second-most players on the injured list with 14, started Tuesday fourth in the AL East with a 40-32 record.
Kiermaier has been sidelined since leaving a June 20 game against the New York Yankees with left hip inflammation. On Tuesday, he went 0-for-2 with a walk and played six innings of defense in a rehab game with the rookie-level FCL Rays.
The game began at noon at the Rays’ complex in Port Charlotte, Florida, where the heat index was around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius).
“Today was a good test playing at Port Charlotte,” Kiermaier said under the dome at Tropicana Field before Tampa Bay hosted the Milwaukee Brewers. “It was tough holding onto my bat, so I’m looking forward to being back in the big leagues.”
Right-hander Drew Rasmussen, out since June 12 with a left hamstring strain, could rejoin the rotation this weekend.
Another starter, Luis Patino, sidelined by a left oblique strain, has made three starts for Triple-A Durham and will make at least one more minor league appearance.
Reliever Pete Fairbanks, who hasn’t pitched this year, is set to start a rehab assignment Thursday with the FCL Rays.
Slugger Brandon Lowe has resumed taking batting practice. He has been on the IL since May 16 with a lower back injury.
“I think we’re all encouraged that he’s swinging the bat,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. “He’s pretty pain-free. We’ll probably put a calendar together today or tomorrow, but it’s still going to be some time.”
Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who had Tommy John surgery last August, threw off a bullpen mound.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.