Rays CF Kevin Kiermaier, C Mike Zunino out the rest of the season
The injury bug has bitten the Tampa Bay Rays hard, and it was reported on Monday that both center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino will miss the remainder of the 2022 season.
Kiermaier, 32, will undergo surgery to repair a hip injury. Zunino, 31, will undergo a procedure to treat thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that impacts the nerves and blood vessels between the collarbone and ribs.
Losing two pieces of the lineup is cause for concern for any team with roughly a week to go until the MLB trade deadline. With the Rays still 13 games behind the Yankees in the AL East, it is likely the absence of both players will prompt Tampa Bay to look for trades for reinforcements.
It's unclear what the future holds for either Keirmaier or Zunino past this season. Kiermaier, who hit .228/.281/.369 through 63 games played this season, has been mentioned in various trade packages over the years. Zunino qualifies for free agency this offseason and is likely on his way out the door as well.
More must-reads: