Franco (wrist), Kiermaier (hip) among Rays to hit IL
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CINCINNATI -- Rays shortstop Wander Franco was placed on the IL with a wrist injury on Sunday, a day after exiting the club's 5-4, 10-inning loss to the Reds in the first inning. Franco¡¯s injury came after he fouled off a 101 mph pitch from starter Hunter Greene in the top of the inning. Franco was replaced defensively in the bottom half of the inning.
¡°Right now it doesn't feel too good,¡± Franco said after the game.
The Rays won¡¯t know the severity of the injury until meeting with Dr. Douglas Carlan in St. Petersburg on Monday, but a hamate fracture could take 6-8 weeks for a full recovery.
The Rays also lost center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (left hip inflammation) and left-hander Jeffrey Springs (right lower leg tightness) to the IL on Sunday. The IL move for Springs is retroactive to July 7, and the club optioned right-hander Calvin Faucher to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding transaction.
After ending his rookie campaign with a .288 batting average, Franco has seen his numbers dip to .260/.308/.396 with five home runs and 23 RBIs over 227 at-bats in his sophomore campaign.
This wouldn't be the first time Franco has missed time this season, as a right quadriceps sprain sidelined him for the majority of June.