With Matt Duffy set to undergo season-ending Achilles surgery, the Tampa Bay Rays are shoring up their infield.
According to a report by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times on Thursday, the Rays have signed veteran shortstop Alexei Ramirez, who was recently released by the San Diego Padres, for the final month of the season.
#Rays have signed SS Alexei Ramirez
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 8, 2016
Ramirez gives #Rays another option at SS over final month with Duffy out. Was released by #Padres earlier.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 8, 2016
The former All-Star had been hitting a modest .240/.275/.330 with five home runs and 41 RBIs for the Padres this season. With the Rays at 59-79 on the year, Ramirez probably isn’t much more than a stopgap option to close out the year but could prove his long-term worth to the team with a strong showing.
Let’s just hope that Rays manager Kevin Cash won’t mind a stogie or two in the dugout every now and then.
Image via MLB on YouTube
