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According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays are discussing season-ending surgery with newly acquired SS Matt Duffy on his left foot to address an ongoing soreness that has plagued him since straining his Achilles tendon earlier in the year. Duffy says he's concerned with being ready for next year's Spring Training, so a decision will need to be made soon.
To make matters worse, this quotation from Duffy may foreshadow further issues with playing on artificial turf if precautions are not taken.
#Rays Duffy said Achilles is again sore after playing 3 games, and that "the soreness seems to come on a little quicker when we're at home."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 5, 2016
The Rays can use Brad Miller or Nick Franklin at shortstop until the Durham Bulls season ends, and then call up Taylor Motter and Tim Beckham to fill in as well after that. Considering the Rays are not playing for a playoff position, it would make sense for them to take extra precaution with this development. Even if Duffy doesn't have surgery, I wouldn't expect him to play many more games at home this season.