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Is there a sadder image then that of Chris Archer escorted off the field by the trainer?
Archer started tonight’s game in uncharacteristic fashion, giving up home runs to the first two batters. The ever-observant Neil Solondz realized there was something amiss:
#Rays Chris Archer gave up HR on FB that were both listed at 92. Very unusual for him.
— Neil Solondz (@neilsolondz) September 2, 2017
Next came the mound visit and the slow walk to the dugout. We’ll let Twitter tell the rest of the story:
Chris Archer has exited the game, replaced by Austin Pruitt. We will pass along any further info as it becomes available.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 2, 2017
#ihateeverything https://t.co/akjDbdxoDs
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) September 2, 2017
Chris Archer left tonight's game with right lateral forearm tightness. His removal was precautionary.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 3, 2017
#Rays say Archer "will be observed by trainers over the next few days to see if he can make next start or be pushed back"
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 3, 2017
The Rays playoff hopes are slender even with everyone staying healthy; even a brief absence from Archer would be difficult to overcome. And of course a worst case scenario is one in which this tightness would represent a more serious injury.
Archer has never missed a start due to injury since his debut in 2012.
Austin Pruitt was brought in to replace Archer. As of this writing the Rays are down 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning, waiting out a rain delay.