After 2 Month Absence, Rays Outfielder Set To Return This Weekend

Despite some discouraging news earlier today on Wander Franco, make no mistake—the Tampa Bay Rays are getting healthier. After missing one of their key lineup catalysts Manuel Margot for the last two months, he is primed to make his return this weekend. Tonight is Margot's final rehab game, completing a full week's worth of contests with the Triple-A Durham Bulls. 

Manuel Margot lines a single to right as part of his MLB Rehab Assignment

He now has recorded a hit in 4 of his 5 contests with us pic.twitter.com/Yfse8s6uX7

— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) August 18, 2022

Although he has a hit in four of his now six games on his rehab assignment, he's only 4-for-21 overall. He does, however, have six runs scored. Tuesday night, he scored from first base on a double, proving his knee sprain is sufficiently healed. It was a bad scene when he had to be carted off the field at the time of the injury.

The 27-year-old was one of the Rays' top hitters when he went down with his knee injury on June 19th. On the season, Margot is batting .302 with a .788 OPS. 

His return to the lineup will be a big boost, as Tampa is in a dogfight with the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and others, for a Wild Card spot. 

Photos: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports,Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports