Yandy Diaz could be late addition to Rays’ playoff roster after lengthy absence

Yandy Diaz might be just an X-factor of sorts for the Tampa Bay Rays come this postseason.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported Thursday that Diaz is working out at Tropicana Field this week in the hopes of showing the Rays that he is recovered from the left foot fracture that has sidelined him since mid-July. Topkins adds that the 28-year-old infielder could be a final weekend or postseason addition if the team clears a spot on the 40-man roster.

Diaz was hitting .270 with 14 home runs and 38 RBIs in a mere 78 games for the Rays this season before the foot injury forced him out of commission.

At 95-64, Tampa Bay is on the verge of clinching a Wild Card spot in the AL. While it might not make sense to throw a rusty Diaz in there for that one-game playoff, he could be an asset should the Rays advance beyond that, similar to this recently-returned star.