The Tampa Bay Rays are having a great season, leading the American League East and well-positioned to return to the postseason after missing out last year. However, this team is doing it despite not being at full strength across its roster. And it looks like that will continue for the foreseeable future.

Rays General Manager Erik Neander spoke on 957 WDAE earlier this week, saying that Rays infielder Gavin Lux received an injection in his left shoulder and has temporarily stopped all baseball activities. Neander said they plan to be extra cautious with him; it could be a week or a few weeks. They aren’t 100% sure on the timetable. 

It’s been a rough stretch of health for Lux this season, as he initially landed on the injured list at the beginning of the season due to a right shoulder impingement. This injection, which will now be due to another injury to the opposite side, will cause his second pause in his rehab already this season. His first was due to an ankle injury. 

The Rays will look to Ben Williamson and Richie Palacios to continue to get playing time while they wait for Lux to return. 

There is some better news for the Rays when it comes to the injury bug, as two pitchers are nearing their availability to return to the majors. 

Pitcher Joe Boyle got another start in AAA on Sunday. He was scheduled for 4 innings and around 60-65 pitches, but his command wasn’t exactly where it needed to be. His velocity was higher than his season average; however, he is getting back on track following the right elbow strain that placed him on the injured list last month. 

There is also growing optimism that pitcher Steven Matz will be ready to be activated as soon as next week, potentially following the homestand. He spent some time this past weekend on the mound at Tropicana and continues to build back up. Matz was placed on the injured list in early May with left elbow inflammation, but Initial imaging showed no structural damage. 

The Rays (30-15) will begin their final series of the current homestand Monday night as the Baltimore Orioles (21-26) will come to Tropicana Field. This will be the first time these two AL East division rivals face off this season. Shane McClanahan (4-2, 2.27 ERA) will take the mound for the Rays as Baltimore will go with  Trevor Rogers (2-4, 5.77 ERA). The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM EDT.