The Tampa Bay Rays encountered some weather issues and also some misfortune with injuries during Thursday’s series-concluding game in New York.
Three Rays players – infielder Jonathan Aranda, designated hitter Yandy Díaz, and outfielder Chandler Simpson – had to exit the game, which was later interrupted by rain, due to various injuries.
Aranda’s injury seemed like the most severe.
It took place in the fifth inning, just before the rain delay began in the Bronx. With the infield surface dampened by rainfall, Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton hit a slow ground ball toward third base, where Junior Caminero hurried to make a play.
Caminero, who had previously committed 10 errors at third base this season, made a quick throw to first. It was inaccurate, and Aranda stretched to secure the catch for the out. As the first baseman reached to catch the ball, he made contact with the running Stanton.
Aranda’s glove, and his left wrist, collided with the large frame of Stanton. Aranda dropped the ball and his glove, then grabbed his wrist, hopping in pain before crouching and collapsing onto the ground. He received immediate attention from the athletic trainer and Rays manager Kevin Cash.
The player had been performing well this season, hitting .315/.393/.478 with 12 home runs and 53 runs batted in. He contributed an RBI single in the fourth inning, assisting Tampa Bay in reducing a 7-0 Yankees advantage.
After being injured, Aranda eventually left the field and was replaced by Brandon Lowe, who had started the game at second base. José Caballero took over Lowe’s position at second.
Díaz suffered a right forearm contusion in the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch thrown by Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman.
Simpson exited the game in the third inning due to an injury to his left hand. He had previously grounded out in the top half of the inning but remained in the game until he was playing left field in the bottom half of the inning.
