ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Yoshi Tsutsugo was designated for assignment on Tuesday by the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay remains responsible for the remaining $5,494,624 owed the 29-year-old infielder from his $7 million salary in the final season of a $12 million, two-year contract. The Rays expressed an interest in having him join Triple-A Durham. Tsutsugo hit .167 with five RBIs in 26 games this season. It follows a disappointing 2020 when the left-handed hitter had a .197 batting average with eight homers and 24 RBIs over 51 games. “The results are certainly not what we intended when we did this,” Tampa Bay general manager Erik Neander said. “Nobody knows that more than Yoshi himself. The work ethic, the professionalism, the quality of teammate, more sadness for a decision like this than anything else. Obviously we'll do all we can to support him as we go forward." Tsutsugo had been getting playing at time at first base but the Rays are expecting regular first baseman Ji-Man Choi, who is... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have placed center fielder Kevin Kiermaier on the 10-day injured list with a left quadriceps strain. The team announced the move prior to Tuesday night's game at Boston. The defensive whiz experienced tightness in his leg Monday night before being removed from the lineup during the third inning of an 11-2 loss to the Red Sox. Infielder Kevin Padlo was recalled from the taxi squad to replace Kiermaier. The Rays also claimed catcher Deivy Grullón on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. Right-handed reliever Chaz Roe (right shoulder strain) was transferred to the 60-day IL to create an opening on the 40-man roster. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports