Injured Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have lost two key players: Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria.

Yesterday, Crawford was placed on the 15 day disabled list with a displaced tendon on the right middle finger. The Rays expect him to be out for a significant amount of time.

Crawford isn't having one of his best years. Crawford is hitting .273 with 8 HR and 57 RBI and 25 SB. His OBP is a low .319 and his SLG is .400 with a disappointing .718 OPS.

A day later, Longoria was placed on the DL retro active to 8/8/08. Longoria fractured his wrist after being hit by a pitch. X-Rays after the game were negative, but it has now been announced it is fractured. Longoria thinks he will be able to play by the Oakland series. However, this could effect Longoria for the remainder of the season even if he is healthy again. After all, bat speed comes from the wrist.

Longoria is hitting .278 with 22 HR and 71 RBI with 7 SB since his call up. He has a .352 OBP, .533 SLG giving him a .885 OPS.

Rocco Baldelli will take over the outfield, and Willy Ayabr will take over at third.