Which injured player have Rays been missing most? Here's our top 5
MIAMI - The Rays have gotten this far - winning an AL-best 37 of their first 60 games - without having the full team they planned for and expected on the field together.
Given season-ending hip surgery for starter Ryan Pepiot, along with an uncertain return date for high-leverage reliever Edwin Uceta, that's obviously not going to happen.
Over the first two-plus months of the season, the Rays have placed 18 players on the injured list, with 11 currently idled.
Which gets us to the point of asking who are they missing most?
Pitchers Manny Rodriguez and Michael Grove (an April free-agent signee) were known to be out as they recovered from surgery, so they don't count. Nor does pitcher Jon Heasley, who was added to the IL a few days after making a one-game cameo and being outrighted back to Triple A as he said he was hurt while with the Rays.
It's hard to assess veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel, who looked like he could help after his first Rays outing, but then was sidelined with a wrist strain.
Reliever Steven Wilson would have contributed at some point, and still may, but likely in a low-leverage role. Second baseman Gavin Lux was acquired with high expectations but didn't make it out of spring healthy, and the play of Richie Palacios and Ben Williamson has well covered that spot.
Which leaves us with this top five, all of whom except Pepiot are expected back at some point (in descending order):
5. RHP Jesse Scholtens, wrist sprain
Valuable for his versatility, filling in as a starter and multi-inning reliever, especially with Steven Matz moved to bullpen.
4. OF Jake Fraley, hernia surgery
Lefty swinger had the bigger side of the rightfield platoon, but contributions were limited.
3. RHP Ryan Pepiot, hip surgery
2025 team leader in innings and wins would have provided a steadying presence in the rotation and created depth options.
2. RHP Edwin Uceta, shoulder impingement
Most dynamic of the planned closer-by-committee that included Bryan Baker, Garrett Cleavinger and (now starter) Griffin Jax. What started as a cranky shoulder in spring is a growing concern, given a slow recovery track and recent setback. At this point any contribution this season would be welcomed, though reinforcements may be needed.
1. OF Jonny DeLuca, hamstring strain
Right-handed hitter is an all-around asset, providing good defense (including in centerfield), speed, power and some clutch hits. Seemed headed for more playing time when injured, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see a short-term replacement added as the position is important.
Support for Wander Franco
Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre said Rays shortstop Wander Franco, whose career is in jeopardy after being found guilty a second time for sexual abuse of a minor, deserves an opportunity to keep playing. "It's a sensitive situation, but I think, I believe that everybody has a second chance," Beltre told TMZ, adding that he doesn't "really know enough about" the situation. Another Hall of Famer, Pedro Martinez, previously told TMZ, "I'm hoping that he can actually reestablish himself, not only spiritually, but mentally. As humans, we all deserve an opportunity to redo ourselves." The formal verdict from Franco's second trial, in which he was pardoned from any punishment, will be released June 16. Appeals, and a third trial, are possible. He has not played since August 2023.
Draft, prospect updates
The latest MLB.com mock draft still has the White Sox picking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky No. 1 overall and the Rays taking Texas prep shortstop Grady Emerson No. 2, but with less certainty, now saying the Rays "will decide" between Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. … Baseball America's updated June top 100 prospects list has outfielder Theo Gillen, the Rays' top 2024 pick, up from No. 31 to 13th, pitcher Brody Hopkins 69th (down from 50th), catcher Nathan Flewelling 72nd, infielder Cooper Flemming 78th, catcher Caden Bodine 80th and first baseman Taitn Gray 92nd.
Rays rumblings
"Foul Territory" show hosts A.J. Pierzynski and Erik Kratz criticized the Rays for rewarding a fan who threw a Tigers home run ball back onto the Trop field with a team autographed baseball. The Rays said it was a one-off gesture - part of their "surprise and delight" fan philosophy. ... Congrats to longtime Rays PR chief Rick Vaughn for his Wednesday induction to the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame, joining a class that included Bucs great Jimmie Giles and former Lightning/current Golden Knights coach John Tortorella. … At that Hall event, Bucs COO Brian Ford and Rays chief of staff Sam Dankoff were seated across an aisle from each other. Maybe they could have arm wrestled for the $1 billion in public funds each wants for stadium plans? … The Rays are planning a moment of silence for a 10-year remembrance of victims of the June 12, 2016, Pulse nightclub shooting leading up to or as part of their June 20 Pride Day event. … The "Tarps Off" experience will remain a thing at the Trop for now, with section 139 the designated gathering spot. … Dave Eiland, the former USF and Rays pitcher and 11-year big-league coach, is taking over as pitching coach at USF, promoted from player development coordinator. … Condolences to the family of Steve Huntington, a longtime radio talent known for launching Radio Margaritaville and also a frequent presence in the Trop press box, who passed away last week. … After getting word of New Jersey 12-year-old Xavier Taylor being critically injured at his youth league game, baseball operations president Erik Neander shared the info with player rep Drew Rasmussen. Within a few days, Rays players and staff posted a series of messages offering support. … Tropicana Field official scorer Bill Mathews, the former longtime Eckerd College coach, was at the Hall of Fame last week to present an article on "the identity, judgement and moral labor of baseball's record keepers" as part of the Cooperstown Symposium on Baseball and American Culture. … New York native Richie Palacios apologized in advance for sneaking looks at his phone for Knicks playoff updates Friday while doing post-game interviews. … Personal injury attorney John Morgan continues to push his belief that the Rays won't get a stadium built in Tampa and should move to Orlando, telling WFLA radio's Ryan Gorman: "It didn't work in St. Pete and it's not going to work in Tampa." … Yes, that was The Black Crowes band at the Trop on Monday after their (controversial) Sunday show in Tampa. … Add the Marlins to the list of teams building an entertainment complex adjacent to its stadium, as the Rays are seeking to do in Tampa.
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 6:15 AM.