ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are planning to send first baseman Ji-Man Choi to Triple-A Durham next week to step up his rehab from right knee surgery with live at-bats during their opening series of games.
That’s good news for Choi, who has been sidelined since spring training and is rounding into shape, starting with getting at-bats at the alternate site workouts in Port Charlotte this week, then playing for the Bulls in Memphis on May 4-9, with the potential to rejoin the Rays when they get back from the West Coast on May 11.
“We’ll be kind of managing his workload ...,” manager Kevin Cash said. “He didn’t have a spring training, so saying that, we’re going to look to get him … somewhere around that 30 (at-bats) number.”
And it also is good news for the 100-plus minor leaguers at the Triple-A, Double-A and Class A levels, from top prospect Wander Franco on down, who get to play, compete and develop again after sitting out — some at home — when the 2020 minor-league season was cancelled.
“I’m glad they’re all getting ready to play,” Cash said. “There’s a lot of guys that missed out on playing. … To just miss out on a year is really unfortunate. You understand why, but it’s unfortunate.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of guys that are really excited. They’re going to really appreciate that opening day, wherever it is.”
The Rays will have four full-season teams — Durham, Double-A Mongtomery (Ala.), High A Bowling Green (Ky.), Low A Charleston (S.C.) — and they’ll start heading north Thursday.
The start of the Triple-A season means the end of alternate training site camp in Port Charlotte, with the Durham roster now serving that function. That make call-ups a bit trickier travel-wise. In another change, teams will have the option, but not be required, to carry up to five player on a taxi squad for road trips.
More medical matters
Relievers Collin McHugh (back) and Cody Reed (thumb) are progressing for returns, possibly next week, and Pete Fairbanks (shoulder) continues to accelerate his timetable. McHugh has thrown two bullpen session, and Reed, who received a Botox injection, will start throwing soon.
Fairbanks, originally expected to be out until late May or June, will throw a bullpen session Wednesday. “We’re very encouraged where Pete Fairbanks is,” Cash said. “It seems like his timetable is sped up just because how good he’s feeling, (how) the ball’s coming out.”
Quote of the day
“It’s unique here. At times it feels like you’re playing in a pinball machine with all the rings and ground rules.”
A’s manager Bob Melvin on the challenges of playing at Tropicana Field
Miscellany
⋅ After an impressive 2 2/3-inning Tampa Bay debut Sunday opening for Josh Fleming, right-hander Luis Patino will stay with the Rays for now. Cash said they will look to use him in a similar role, though he will be available in relief.
⋅ Announced, and distanced, attendance Monday was 2,981.
⋅ The Rays wore the light blue jerseys usually reserved for Sunday because Rich Hill’s son, Brice, said he liked them, and it is the starting pitcher’s choice.
⋅ Joey Wendle turned 31 on Monday.
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