DeLuca (shoulder) looking for clarity after latest setback 

TAMPA -- Just when it seemed like the Rays might have a surplus of outfield options, center fielder Jonny DeLuca suffered another setback in his recovery from a right shoulder strain.

DeLuca was recalled from his Minor League rehab assignment after playing two games for the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Rays. He said he had additional imaging done on his shoulder and is seeking further opinions to figure out how to get through this injury.

“I want clarity. They want clarity,” DeLuca said Wednesday morning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “We all want clarity on what a timeline looks like and what’s best to get out there playing.”

It’s been a frustrating two months for DeLuca, Tampa Bay’s Opening Day center fielder. He sustained the injury while making a diving catch in Texas on April 4, but he only felt pain in his shoulder while throwing.

That remains the case, DeLuca said, but the fact that it has flared up twice has left him and the Rays looking for more information.

“We were kind of talking about how hitting could possibly, maybe, not be good for it, even though the sharpness and the pain is coming from throwing,” DeLuca said. “But hitting, I'm still doing a similar movement, I guess, and it's all in the rotator cuff. It's kind of just one of those things where it's like very small muscle tissue in there. … Just trying to figure it out. I don't know.”

DeLuca was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Tuesday to make room for catcher Matt Thaiss on the 40-man roster. He had been scheduled to transfer his rehab assignment to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, putting him closer to a return, but instead he returned to Steinbrenner Field.

“Obviously a little frustrated. Feel like I've been going through this for two months now, so trying to figure out answers of why it keeps reoccurring,” DeLuca said. “It's happened twice where there's been a setback, so yeah, just trying to figure it out.

“I'm frustrated, kind of confused -- nothing that they've done or we've done, but it's just like one of those things where injuries suck, and [I’m] just trying to get back and be playing because that's what I like to do. I'm competitive and want to get back as quick as I can, and right now, it's obviously pretty tough.”

Kameron Misner has been the Rays’ primary center fielder in DeLuca’s absence, with Chandler Simpson getting occasional starts there as well. José Caballero also started one game in center. Tampa Bay should have another candidate to play center soon, however, as speedy outfielder Jake Mangum (left groin strain) is continuing his rehab assignment in Triple-A.

KK close to return

Reliever Kevin Kelly returned to the Rays’ clubhouse on Tuesday after completing his rehab assignment. He is healthy, fully recovered from the left gluteal strain that’s sidelined him since April 10, but not yet active. He could be reinstated as soon as Thursday, when the Rays will open a four-game series against the Astros in Houston.

“Was getting some mechanical stuff back on the rehab assignment but feel good now,” Kelly said. “Definitely ready to go.”

Kelly said the injury may have subconsciously affected him at the start of the season, as the discomfort led him to land on the mound differently than he normally does. But he ironed out those issues during his bullpen sessions and rehab outings, he said, and it’s improved his command.

“Should be back better than ever,” he added.

Thaiss comes home

Thaiss was activated Wednesday morning and is expected to start Thursday’s series opener. He said he was surprised by the news that he’d been traded from the White Sox to the Rays on Tuesday, noting he “didn’t really have any idea this was coming,” but he was excited for the new opportunity.

As a bonus, Thaiss got to come home. He’s lived near Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., for the past nine years, so after he flew from New York to Tampa on Tuesday, he got to spend the night in his house -- and see his dog for the first time in about four months -- and drive to Steinbrenner Field for his first day as a Ray.

“I'm just looking to get in there as quick as I can, make this a seamless transition,” Thaiss said. “This is a really good ballclub with a really good pitching staff, and I'm just excited to be here and work with these guys.”