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Tampa Bay is currently the only team under the .500 mark in the AL East. They're 6-8, but it's fair to wonder where they might be in the standings if the injury bug hadn't decimated their 25-man roster early on.
Earlier today, this image of the Rays disabled list woes was sent out by our friends at DRaysBay.
#Rays DL: Alex Cobb Drew Smyly John Jaso Jake McGee James Loney Nick Franklin Matt Moore Alex Colome Burch Smith Jeff Beliveau Ryan Brett
— DRaysBay (@draysbay) April 22, 2015
Since this was posted, the Rays added yet another name to this growing list, but also received good news about one of their pitchers.
Jeff Beliveau transferred to the 60-Day DL
The Rays announced that Beliveau will miss the remainder of the 2015 season with a torn left labrum. This currently leaves C.J. Riefenhauser as the only left-handed option in their bullpen. While he's produced some impressive seasons in the minor leagues, Riefenhause is off to a rough start in his MLB career.
There's also the worrying fact that he seems to have lost 2 mph on his primary fastball from just the previous season. For the immediate future, the Rays will likely turn to either Jordan Norberto or Everett Teaford to fill Beliveau's spot.
Ryan Brett hits the 15-Day DL
On a dive back to first base on a pickoff attempt, Brett suffered a shoulder subluxation and was placed on the DL. The Rays have selected the contract of infielder Jake Elmore, who in 12 games at AAA, is hitting .333/.462/.333.
He last played in big league action as a September call-up last season with the Reds. Going forward, Elmore is likely going to occupy the role of a spot starter or late inning defensive replacement.
Drew Smyly will likely make his debut on Friday
While not yet official, Marc Topkin is reporting that Smyly will possibly make his 2015 debut before the end of the week.
#Rays Smyly says he is "definitely" ready to go. So Friday seems even more likely - tho not official.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 21, 2015
Smyly was supposed to be one of the anchors of what looked like a formidable Rays rotation, but was held back because of shoulder tendinitis in his left arm.
He was incredibly valuable after being traded from Detroit last season, posting a 1.70 ERA and a record of 3-1. Smyly's return will be much needed for a team with the 24th highest team ERA, a figure that would be much worse without staff ace Chris Archer.