Rays second baseman Lux placed on injured list with right shoulder issue, Palacios returns to MLB

After a relatively healthy spring training, the Tampa Bay Rays lost a projected starting infielder just before the season began. Manager Kevin Cash announced today that second baseman Gavin Lux will start the season on the 10-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. Lux will be sidelined alongside shortstop Taylor Walls (right oblique strain), forcing the Rays to reconfigure their infield alignment before Friday's Opening Day.

Richie Palacios, who was optioned to the minors last Saturday, will return to the team and serve as the Rays' primary second baseman against right-handed pitchers. The team has not yet finalized its shortstop plan, but top prospect Carson Williams appears to be the most likely option.

The Rays are likely to employ a rotation at second base, with infielder Ben Williamson also under consideration for use at shortstop, particularly as a starter against left-handed pitchers, while Palacios handles duties against right-handed pitchers.

“I'm happiest when I'm on the field, so being back here excites me,” Palacios said. “I'm ready and available to play anytime.”

Lux joined the Rays via a three-team trade with the Reds in January and played through discomfort throughout spring training. He was initially removed from the lineup due to “general soreness,” then experienced oblique soreness, before the shoulder issue began affecting his throwing.

“This is something we need to address proactively, managing it now,” Cash said this morning before the team's 7-0 win over the Phillies. “Hopefully the absence won't be too long… We believe this is the best decision for the team and for him.”

Lux was evaluated today by Rays orthopedic physician Dr. Koco Eaton. After Monday's game against the Blue Jays, he expressed hope and intention to be ready for Opening Day, but also admitted his shoulder felt “okay,” and acknowledged he had been trying to catch up after missing so much time.

“Getting up to speed with the number of at-bats, and then getting more defensive reps on the field to see where I'm at,” Lux said Sunday. “I think those are the two most important things.”

Lux's injury has reopened the door for Palacios. Between the trade of Brandon Lowe to the Pirates and the acquisition of Lux, Palacios had been the Rays' internal preferred option to handle second base. He is the natural replacement for Lux, a left-handed hitter capable of playing multiple positions, but most comfortable at second base.

Fortunately, the Rays notified Palacios before he was to report to Triple-A Durham. He had been packing at his apartment in St. Petersburg over the past few days, and Cash called him Sunday night to tell him to hold off.

“Just drive over in the morning, I'm fine,” Palacios said. He entered today's game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and finished the game at second base. “It's great to be back here with the guys. An option is an option, that's baseball. It's fine, I won't complain. Just focus, and I've got another opportunity.”

Palacios' issue has never been performance—Rays management has praised his patient approach, reliable defense, and excellent baserunning. In partial playing time over two seasons with Tampa Bay, he posted a league-average 100 OPS+ across 109 games and stole 23 bases.

Palacios' challenge has been maintaining health. He earned more playing time late in the 2024 season but missed most of the final two months due to a right knee sprain. Last season he was placed on the injured list with a fractured right ring finger, returned for one game on April 17, then was sidelined again until September 1 due to a right knee sprain.

However, he has remained healthy throughout this spring training and will have an opportunity to prove himself during Lux's absence. While Palacios can play multiple infield and outfield positions—a versatility the Rays value—the team currently needs him most at second base.

“I'm excited for Richie, that was a fun phone call. He can help our team,” Cash said. “I've said it for years. When he's healthy, he can do a lot of things defensively, on the bases, in the batter's box to help you win. He'll fit in.”