Rays’ Kevin Kiermaier reportedly out 8-12 weeks

Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier will reportedly miss at least two months with his latest injury.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Kiermaier has a torn ligament in his right thumb that will keep him out 8-12 weeks. A formal announcement is forthcoming from the team.

Kiermaier, one of the league’s best defensive outfielders, hurt his thumb on Sunday while sliding into second base.

This will be the third consecutive season Kiermaier, an aggressive player by nature, will miss significant amounts of time due to an injury. Last season, for instance, he missed 61 games with a fractured right hip that he also injured on a slide.

Kiermaier is capable of spectacular defensive plays. The Rays will surely miss him.