Tampa Bay Rays place OF Kevin Kiermaier on Injured List, recall INF Kevin Padlo from taxi squad

Prior to the second game of their three game set against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, the Tampa Bay Rays have placed outfielder Kevin Kiermaier on the 10-day Injured List due to a tight left quad, an issue that also plagued him during Spring Training.

Taking his place on the active roster will be infielder Kevin Padlo, whom the team originally acquired along with outfielder Corey Dickerson prior to the start of the 2016 season. Padlo, 24, was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 2014 draft and quickly showcased his power potential during his first taste of professional action.

Unfortunately, after joining the Rays, Padlo suffered a fractured hamate that sapped most of his production during his initial seasons as a member of the organization. He regained his power stroke in 2019 and was placed on the 40-man roster following the season’s conclusion. He spent the 2020 season at the team’s alternate training site and was left off of the postseason roster pool.

The Rays have also claimed catcher Deivy Grullon off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds and have transferred right-handed pitcher Chaz Roe to the 60-day IL. Grullon, 25, has just five games of big league experience, making his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019 and then playing in a single game for the Boston Red Sox in 2020.