While the Tampa Bay Rays are fighting to keep the door from closing on their postseason aspirations, left fielder Richie Palacios has been battling just to rejoin the team.
Finally, he is triumphant.
Palacios's season has been enveloped in injuries, keeping him out of the lineup for most of the year. But on Sept. 1, the Rays activated Palacios off the 60-day injured list.
His health woes started with a 10-day stint on the IL due to a right ring finger fracture he suffered on March 24, just four days before Tampa Bay’s season opener.
After missing several weeks, Palacios made his season debut against the New York Yankees on April 17. It would be an ill-fated return, as the 28-year-old suffered a knee sprain, sending him to the 60-day IL.
Now, after nearly five months, Palacios is happy to be back doing what he loves at the highest level.
“My whole life, I’ve loved playing baseball,” Palacios said on Monday before the beginning of the Rays’ three-game series at home against the Seattle Mariners. “So when I’m not able to play, it’s tough. I’m glad to be back with the boys.”
It’s been a difficult journey, and Palacios has relied on his faith and mental fortitude to carry him through.
“I’m resilient as a person. I also trust in the higher plan, which is not mine.”
He also views the rehabilitation process as an opportunity for growth.
“Those are two things that keep me levelheaded as I go through this. Like I said, I never want to not be on the field, but I got to take that time to grow and figure things out that could be better when I do come back.”
After beginning his MLB career with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022, Palacios spent the 2023 season with the St. Louis Cardinals before Tampa Bay acquired him in a trade on Jan. 5, 2024, for right-hander Andrew Kittredge.