Tampa Bay Rays rookie infielder Osleivis Basabe (head), who injured his head in the Grapefruit League game on Tuesday against the New York Yankees while sliding into third base, is expected to be available to return to spring training action on Friday or Saturday, according to manager Kevin Cash. It sounds as though the 23-year-old youngster was able to avoid a concussion and won't be out long. The Venezuelan infielder mostly looked overmatched in his first taste of the big leagues in 2023, as he went 19-for-87 (.218) with a homer and 12 RBI in his first 31 major-league contests for the Rays. In a best-case scenario, the switch-hitter could win a utility role for the Rays at some point in 2024, but he's lacking in offensive upside in mixed fantasy leagues for now.
Tampa Bay Rays rookie shortstop Osleivis Basabe (head) was shaken up in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the New York Yankees after sliding head-first into third base. He had to be helped off the field and was removed from the contest early. Basabe almost certainly will be checked for a concussion and will probably be forced to miss at least a couple days in spring training. The 23-year-old Venezuelan middle infielder made his major-league debut in 2023 and looked overmatched at the plate, going 19-for-87 (.218) with a home run and 12 RBI. Even with Wander Franco's off-the-field issues heading into the 2024 season, Basabe profiles as a bottom-of-the-order utility player in Tampa this year and should be off the fantasy radar in mixed leagues.
Tampa Bay Rays rookie infielder Osleivis Basabe (shoulder) is not in the starting lineup on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Basabe exited Friday's contest early after injuring his shoulder while diving for a ball at third base. Manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the game that the 23-year-old was sore and would need further evaluation. The former top prospect should be considered day-to-day as Taylor Walls takes his place in the lineup against Hyun Jin Ryu and the Blue Jays. The team should provide another update on Basabe prior to Sunday's regular-season finale.
Tampa Bay Rays infielder Osleivis Basabe (shoulder) left Friday's loss to the Toronto Blue Jays early after suffering a shoulder injury while diving for a ball on defense. Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the game that the 23-year-old prospect is sore and will need to be further evaluated. Basabe is slashing .212/.272/.306 with one home run and 12 RBI over 85 at-bats since his call-up back in mid-August. The team will provide more details on his status before Saturday's game.
Osleivis Basabe
• SS
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Rays
