Sports

Yandy Diaz Injury Update Emerges Before Rays-Orioles Game

The Tampa Bay Rays closed out their Tuesday victory over the Baltimore Orioles without designated hitter Yandy Diaz. During his fourth plate appearance in the eighth inning, the slugger was hit by a pitch in both hands and was immediately pulled from the game.

It put a damper on an impressive performance from the 34-year-old. In the 4-1 victory, he accumulated three at-bats, two hits, one run scored, two RBIs and one home run.

While it helped the Rays advance to 32-15 and hold steady with a three-game lead in the American League East, there was concern that Diaz could miss significant time.

 Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2). © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2). © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

The team took immediate action, giving the slugger an X-Ray and a CT scan to assess any potential serious injuries. Luckily, for them, Rays sideline reporter Ryan Bass reported that imaging came back negative and that Tampa Bay "avoided a scare."

"I think it got the nail a little bit, but we'll try to give him the day," Manager Kevin Cash said, according to Bass. "He was pretty adamant, like he thought he'd be okay, but if we can give him today, and then with the off day tomorrow, hopefully be pretty optimistic about him getting back in (Friday)."

While the Rays go into their Wednesday matchup looking to sweep the Orioles in their three-game series, Diaz likely won't be in the lineup. However, a return on Friday as Tampa Bay opens up a three-game series against the New York Yankees is possible.

Getting Diaz back out onto the field as soon as possible is crucial. He's been one of the Rays' most consistent hitters during the season, accumulating 174 at-bats, 27 runs scored, 55 hits (leads team), eight home runs and 33 RBIs. He's also slashing .316/.394/.506 with a .900 OPS (leads team).

Related: Giants' $115 Million Veteran Named 'Most Likely' Trade Candidate

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 12:03 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER