Overview
- Griffin Jax was hit in the lower back by a 104 mph comebacker in the third inning and left the game after walking to the dugout in visible pain.
- The Rays diagnosed the injury as a lower-back contusion and both Jax and manager Kevin Cash said after the game that he felt okay and did not expect to miss time.
- Left-hander Steven Matz replaced Jax in the fourth inning and Jax finished the outing with three scoreless innings, two hits allowed and 52 pitches thrown.
- This is the second time Jax has been removed from a start after a high-velocity liner to his lower back this season, a May incident that did not force him to miss a rotation turn.
- The injury arrives while the Rays have not announced a postseason roster and must choose a rotation from five healthy candidates, so short-term availability will factor into final decisions.