Richie Palacios says he thinks he will return to Rays this season

ST. PETERSBURG — Richie Palacios expects to be back this season.

The Rays’ versatile infielder/outfielder said Saturday he is still working on getting the range of motion back in his right knee but thinks he can return from the injured list this year.

“I’m not a doctor,” Palacios said, “but the way I work and the way our staff is, for sure.”

Palacious hyperextended his right knee while sliding into second base July 31 against the Marlins. He stayed on the field long enough to score a run but left quickly afterward.

After the game, he was optimistic he would avoid missing time. But the injury was worse than he was ready to believe at the time.

“I have accepted it,” Palacios said. “So, I felt OK and I was trying to play through it, because I try to play through everything. I took a step and then didn’t feel so good. But, I mean, I’m optimistic about everything …. I know that whatever happens, whatever I’m in, I’m going to figure it out.”

Palacios has not yet resumed baseball activities. He does his work in the training room as he tries to regain full motion of the knee.

The injury is frustrating for Palacios, who had been having a big year since being acquired from the Cardinals in January for reliever Andrew Kittredge. Given his first real chance to play in the big leagues, Palacios was hitting .233 with eight doubles, five home runs, 21 RBIs and and 19 stolen bases in 88 games.

Shake it up

Looking for offense, Rays manager Kevin Cash shook up the top of his lineup for Saturday’s 7-5 loss to the Orioles. Yandy Diaz, who had hit first in 101 games this season, was dropped to the No. 3 spot. Jonny DeLuca was put up top for the first time in his big-league career.

“I talked to Yandy (Friday) and asked him what his comfort was getting out of the leadoff (spot),” Cash said. “I want to try to get him some guys to get on base in front of him and see if he can knock them in. I’m not sure it’s going to work. I’m not even sure if that’s the right thing.

“But given how it’s been challenging offensively, let’s see if we can mix it up and see if that provides some sort of a spark.”

The Rays have had the worst production from the No. 3 spot in baseball this season, producing just 40 RBIs. Diaz had started in the third spot 60 times over his career.

Saturday, he went 1-for-4 with no RBIs. DeLuca was 1-for-4 with one RBI from the leadoff spot.

Pepiot update

Right-hander Ryan Pepiot threw 3-1/3 scoreless innings for Double-A Montgomery Saturday night, walking two and striking out seven. He threw 39 of his 69 pitches for strikes.

Pepiot is recovering from an infection in his right knee that he believes resulted from a spider bite he got during the All-Star break.

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We’ll send you news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida’s college football teams every day.

Loading...

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

Miscellany

After being booed Friday night, Orioles and former Rays pitcher Zach Eflin got a lukewarm round of applause from the Trop crowd Saturday after the Rays showed a tribute video. He acknowledged fans with a tip of the cap. Eflin’s comment that his first start in Baltimore was “awesome ... a bit different from Tampa” was taken as a shot at the Rays’ small crowds. ... Country singer Riley Green, who held a postgame concert Saturday night, threw out the first pitch and took pregame batting practice.

• • •

Sign up for the Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.

Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on Instagram, X and Facebook.