Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays - News - September 15, 2021 | FOX Sports

Wander Franco - Hopes to return next week Franco (hamstring) hopes to rejoin the major-league roster sometime next week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact Franco has participated in on-field work the last two days, and he said Thursday that his hamstring feels much better. The infielder is eligible to return as early as Tuesday, but the Rays will presumably make sure he's feeling 100 percent healthy before he's activated.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Shane Baz - Won't start Friday Baz won't start Friday's game against Detroit, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact The right-hander was in consideration to make his major-league debut Friday, but Luis Patino will instead be pushed up a day. Baz has made 10 starts at Triple-A Durham this year and has recorded a 1.76 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 46 innings.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Luis Patiño - Starting Friday Patino will start Friday's game against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact Patino was initially slated to start Saturday, but he'll be pushed up a day. However, the right-hander will still be pitching on normal rest after he gave up two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three in 4.1 innings against the Tigers on Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Wander Franco - Participates in agility drills Franco (hamstring) participated in agility drills ahead of Thursday's game against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact Franco hit off a tee and participated in pregame activities Wednesday, and he continued to work on the field Thursday to test his hamstring. The 20-year-old has made quick progress in his recovery after he was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, but the Rays will likely exercise caution in bringing him back to preserve his health ahead of the postseason.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Shane Baz - Candidate to start Friday Baz is in consideration to start Friday's game against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact The Rays haven't yet named a starter for Friday's matchup, but Triple-A Durham will now have a bullpen game Friday after Baz was initially slated to start. The right-hander returned to the mound Saturday after he dealt with a stomach virus recently, and he allowed one run on three hits and a walk while striking out 10 in six innings.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ji-Man Choi - Takes seat against lefty Choi isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Tigers, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports.

Impact Choi will be out of the lineup for a second straight game with left-hander Tyler Alexander on the mound for the Tigers. Jordan Luplow will start at first base and bat sixth.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Taylor Walls - Takes seat Thursday Walls isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports.

Impact Walls went 1-for-3 with a run and a strikeout Wednesday but will be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games. Joey Wendle will shift to shortstop while Yandy Diaz starts at third base.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE