Tampa Bay Rays: Place Brad Miller Back on DL, Martinez Stays

The Tampa Bay Rays have placed second baseman Brad Miller back on the DL, this time with a groin strain just days after returning to the lineup from a previous stint on the DL.

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brad Miller has returned to the 10-day DL with a right groin strain, just days removed from having been activated from the DL with a lower abdominal strain. Miller had been placed on the 10-day DL May 15 and returned to game action against the Seattle Mariners last Friday.

In three games since his initial return, Miller was hitless in seven at-bats with two strikeouts and two walks. His slash line on the season stands at .194/.343/.302 with two home runs and 14 RBIs.

Following the game on Tuesday night, Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash informed the media that that they were going to designate Michael Martinez for assignment, clearing a roster spot for Jacob Faria who was called up to start in tonight’s game against the White Sox.

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That move will not happen, as the Rays upon finding out about Miller’s latest injury prior to tonight’s game pulled Martinez back.

Martinez was acquired from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later or cash considerations on May 18 when Miller went down with his abdominal strain.

Since joining the Rays, Martinez has appeared in eight games batting .053/.143/.053 with one hit, two walks and nine strikeouts in 19 at-bats. Overall, in 22 games between the Indians and Rays Martinez line stands at .167/.265/.200 in 30 at-bats with 14 strikeouts and four walks.

Moving back into a starting role will be rookie Daniel Robertson, who had filled in admirably during Miller’s first stint on the DL. Despite showing little offense, .211/.323/.367 in 40 games (35 starts) over 109 at-bats, there are small signs of improvement at the plate. In his last eight games (seven starts), Robertson is batting .304/.385/.565.

Defensively, Robertson has been flawless no matter where he is on the diamond. Overall, Robertson has committed just one error in 129 chances covering 286 innings. He has played 20 games (20 starts) at second, handled 67 chances in 162 innings, 12 games at third (8 starts, 29 chances, 74-innings) where his one error was committed and nine games (five starts) at shortstop (33 chances, 49-innings).

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Robertson who has filled in admirably during Miller’s prior absence could wind up replacing Miller for the long-term at second base, simply based on Robertson’s defense.