UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays have officially placed All-Star first baseman Jonathan Aranda on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured left wrist, an injury sustained during a collision with New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton on Thursday. This urgent development comes just as the Rays gear up for their series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight.
Aranda, who is enjoying a breakout season with a remarkable .316 batting average, 12 home runs, and 54 RBIs in 103 games, reported that the injury did not feel “catastrophic.” He remains hopeful for a return this season; however, the Rays have warned that he will be unable to use his wrist for approximately three weeks.
The injury occurred in the fifth inning when Stanton hit a ground ball, leading to a play that resulted in Aranda colliding with Stanton. The impact caused Aranda’s wrist to hit Stanton’s shoulder, leading to the fracture. Aranda’s wrist has been immobilized in an air cast as he awaits further evaluation.
Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed cautious optimism regarding Aranda’s recovery, stating, “Let’s see how the bone heals.” He noted that the team will reassess Aranda’s situation after the three-week imaging, which is critical for determining when he might return to the field.
In the meantime, Yandy Díaz will take over at first base. The Rays also reinstated Ha-Seong Kim from the injured list and recalled Tristan Gray from Triple-A Durham to bolster their lineup. Newly acquired players Griffin Jax and Hunter Feduccia are also set to make their contributions in tonight’s game.
This injury comes at a pivotal point in the season as the Rays aim for playoff positioning. Aranda’s absence will be felt significantly; he has been one of the most dangerous hitters in the league, boasting a .394 on-base percentage and an .872 OPS.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Rays will adapt without their All-Star first baseman. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and as the Rays face the Dodgers tonight.
