Tampa Bay Rays P Jesse Crain still trying to return

Back in July, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired relief pitcher Jesse Crain from the Chicago White Sox. The Rays knew they’d have to wait on Crain because he was on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. However, they probably didn’t expect Crain to still be on the disabled list six week after making the deal.

That doesn’t mean the Rays are giving up on Crain.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Crain threw a bullpen session Tuesday and Rays manager Joe Maddon said the session went “well.” He will likely throw another session and then begin to throw to actual hitters. A simulated game could come as early as this week or next week.

Before the injury, Crain was fantastic. In 38 games, Crain pitched 36.2 innings and posted a 0.74 ERA. He has given up 31 hits and 11 walks while striking out 46. He has given up six runs, but just three have been earned and he’s posted a record of 2-3.

Crain’s Rays will host the Boston Red Sox over the next three nights. Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz (9-0, 1.71 ERA) will make his return against last year’s Cy Young award winner, David Price (8-7, 3.51 ERA)

The Rays are currently 7.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and have a 1.5 game lead over the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians for the second wild card spot.