TORONTO -- The Rays will be without one of their top hitters against the Blue Jays, as they placed designated hitter Yandy Díaz on the restricted list prior to Tuesday night’s 11-9 win in the series opener at Rogers Centre.
Manager Kevin Cash would only say that Díaz’s placement on the restricted list was due to a passport renewal issue. With Díaz unable to join the team on the Canadian leg of this six-game road trip, the Rays recalled infielder Coco Montes from Triple-A Durham to take Díaz’s spot on the active roster.
Díaz is expected to rejoin the team in Miami, where the Rays are slated to begin a three-game series on Friday night.
“Certainly disappointed that he’s not here because he’s such a big part of our team and offense, but look forward to getting him back in Miami,” Cash said on Tuesday afternoon.
Díaz hasn’t gotten off to a great start this season, but the veteran remains one of Tampa Bay’s best hitters. Shifting away from first base to be the primary DH this season, the 33-year-old is slashing .238/.291/.400 with six homers and 20 RBIs in 40 games.
The Rays will likely rotate players through the DH spot this series in Díaz’s absence. Second baseman Brandon Lowe got a day off his feet as the DH on Tuesday night, with José Caballero sliding in at second base. Christopher Morel is another option to DH while the Rays are in Toronto.
Díaz might not be the only key hitter rejoining the Rays on Friday.
Right fielder Josh Lowe, out since Opening Day due to a strained right oblique, continued his Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday night, batting leadoff and starting in right. It was his fourth Triple-A rehab game; he went 2-for-9 with three walks and four strikeouts in his first three, starting two games in right field and one as Durham’s DH.
The Rays will reevaluate Lowe’s status after two or three more games to determine whether he’s ready to return to their lineup.
“Things are going well,” Cash said. “He’s been really happy with the way his body has felt physically. Now, it just takes a little bit of time to get locked in on seeing different pitches. I’d like to think we’re going to see him here soon.”