Kevin Kiermaier to miss 8-10 weeks with broken hand

UPDATE (Monday): Kiermaier will require surgery and will miss 8-10 weeks, according to Topkin. The length of his absence is longer than many anticipated, leading Tampa Bay without their offensive catalyst through at least mid-July.

It is unclear if the Rays will look to replace Kiermaier by adding someone outside the organization, as they have Jennings and Mahtook as options on the roster.

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ORIGINAL (Sunday): Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier suffered two fractures in his left hand Saturday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The exact length of Kiermaier's expected absence is unknown, though it is expected to be a significant amount.

Kiermaier suffered the injury while diving for a ball in the fifth inning of Tampa Bay's game in Detroit, and was immediately replaced by Desmond Jennings. The Rays will promote Mikie Mahtook from Triple-A Durham as another option to replace Kiermaier.

The loss of Kiermaier is the second major loss for the Rays in the last two weeks, as second baseman Logan Forsythe will miss at least four weeks with a shoulder fracture. Kiermaier and Forsythe are two of the team's most consistent contributors, leaving a noticeable void at the top of the team's lineup.

Kiermaier, 26, is hitting .240/.311/.455 with five home runs and six steals this season. He is known as an excellent defensive center fielder, currently ranking third in the majors in defensive WAR (wins above replacement) behind only Adam Eaton (White Sox) and Salvador Perez (Royals)