Kevin Kiermaier Breaks Left Hand

Kevin Kiermaier fractured two bones in his left hand Saturday evening attempting to catch a fly ball in shallow center field. No timetable has been given for his return. It's a massive loss for the Rays, who are already without starting second baseman Logan Forsythe, who suffered a hairline fracture earlier this month.

Kiermaier was slashing .240/.311/.455 in 135 plate appearances prior to his injury. He carries a 112 wRC+ line and has stolen six bases. Kiermaier's power stroke has been a pleasant surprise this season; heading into tonight, his ISO stood at .215, 40 points higher than his career average.

Mikie Mahtook has been called up to replace Kiermaier. Mahtook was the selected by the Rays as the 31st overall pick of the 2011 draft out of LSU. He is regarded as a better corner outfielder than he is a centerfielder, and was ranked as having the best plate discipline in the International League in 2014. While he might not be a direct Kiermaier replacement, the Rays have flexibility as both Guyer and Jennings are capable of playing center field.

Mahtook impressed towards the end of last season, posting a .411 wOBA in 115 plate appearances. In 87 plate appearances in Durham this season, Mahtook has a .400 wOBA line and a 159 wRC+. More information to follow.