ST. PETERSBURG — Ryan Yarbrough’s season appears to be over after an MRI on Friday confirmed a right oblique strain and he was placed on the injured list.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Yarbrough, who left Thursday’s game after working just one inning, likely will need four-six weeks to recover, making it unlikely the left-hander (3-8, 4.50 around being sent down three times) could return even if the Rays go deep into the postseason.
“We’ll see,” Cash said. “We’ve had some guys come back a little quicker, but he’s gonna be shut down for a little while.”
To add another fresh arm to the bullpen, the Rays designated for assignment reliever Dusten Knight, who worked two innings Thursday.
From Triple-A Durham, they called up Calvin Faucher, who is making his fifth tour; and Cristofer Ogando, who was added back to the 40-man roster after being designated for assignment following his July 3 debut.
Faucher has a 2-3 record and 6.75 ERA in 19 appearances, allowing 24 hits and 10 walks over 17-1/3 innings. “The stuff has always been there,” Cash said. “Let’s see if he can kind of harness it in the zone a little bit.”
Mastrobuoni fills in well
With Taylor Walls scratched from the lineup due to right groin tightness, Miles Mastrobuoni, on his second day in the majors, started at second and rapped two hits, including one in the pivotal eighth inning. The nervousness he felt before the game was replaced by elation after, given he had his parents, brother and girlfriend in the stands. “It’s everything I dreamed of,” he said. “To see everything pay off feels good, feels really good.” ... Third baseman Yandy Diaz was out of the lineup for a fourth straight game due to a sore left shoulder. Cash said he “is doing better” and was to try taking swings.
Glasnow sharp in likely rehab finale
Tyler Glasnow retired eight of the nine hitters he faced Friday, six on strikeouts (including ex-Ray Brett Phillips), and allowed just one walk in what is expected to be his final rehab start for Durham before being activated by the Rays next week.
Glasnow threw 46 pitches, 26 for strikes over 2 2/3 innings (while hitting 97-98 mph with his fastball, per Durham radio announcer Patrick Kinas), though he fell behind four of the last six Norfolk hitters.
Glasnow, who had Tommy John elbow surgery and a ligament brace installed on Aug. 4, 2021, made four rehab outings, allowing one hit and one earned run, walking four over seven innings.
It appears Glasnow is on track to rejoin the Rays on Saturday, then, assuming all feels well, will be activated to pitch Wednesday against the Guardians, working as a starter though likely limited to three-four innings. “He looks good,” Cash said. “I think we might see him (Saturday).”
Miscellany
Double-A Montgomery lost 1-0 to Pensacola (Marlins) Friday in the third and deciding game of the Southern League South Division Series. … Before Saturday’s game, the Tampa Bay chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce winners of its annual champion, rookie and MVP awards. … All attending Saturday’s game will have an opportunity to redeem a free fan appreciation NFT (non fungible token) that will feature a countdown ticker to the 2023 season, when the team will celebrate its 25th anniversary. … The Rays on Saturday will wear their white Devil Rays throwback jerseys; they are 4-0 this year when doing so.
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