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3 Rays position players looking to bounce back in 2020

By Austin Reimann
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - APRIL 22: Mike Zunino #10 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a two run home run with Daniel Robertson #28 in the seventh inning during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field on April 22, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - APRIL 22: Mike Zunino #10 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a two run home run with Daniel Robertson #28 in the seventh inning during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field on April 22, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 29: Jonathan Davis #49 of the Toronto Blue Jays steals second base against Daniel Robertson #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at the Rogers Centre on September 29, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 29: Jonathan Davis #49 of the Toronto Blue Jays steals second base against Daniel Robertson #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at the Rogers Centre on September 29, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

Daniel Robertson

It seems as though Daniel Robertson has all the tools to be a really productive MLB player, but injuries have held him back each of the past two seasons. Hopefully, a healthy spring training can lead to a bounce back season in 2020.

Daniel Robertson was on his way to a breakout campaign in 2018 until he lost the second half of the season to a hand injury. With the expectation that he could pick up where he left off in 2018, Robertson struggled out of the gate in 2019 and again lost a majority of the season to injuries and even a demotion to AAA.

He has the glove, the ability to get on base, and the ability to hit for some power but injuries have held him back to this point. His ability to contribute in 2020 will depend on his ability to stay healthy. With Yandy Diaz likely the opening day third baseman, Robertson could see time at third, shortstop, second base, and even in the outfield as a super utility player. But, he will have to produce at a better clip.

2019 Numbers:

  • 74 G
  • .213/.312/.295
  • .607 OPS // 66 OPS+
  • 2 HR // 19 RBI

Prior to missing the second half of 2018, he had posted a .382 OBP. His ability to reach base is valuable especially for a team that struggles to produce runs. The Rays could have easily non-tendered Robertson but instead will bring him back with the hopes that 2019 was a fluke. The obviously trust that he can produce like he did in 2018. Let’s hope they are right.

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