Kevin Kiermaier Injury: Updates on Rays OF's Hand and Recovery

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier suffered two fractures in his left hand when he attempted to dive for a ball during his team's game against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. He will undergo surgery, and it is uncertain when he will return to action.

Continue for updates. 

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Kiermaier to Undergo Surgery

Monday, May 23

The Rays announced Kiermaier will go under the knife Tuesday, adding that the outfielder will miss "an estimated" eight to 10 weeks.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times noted a re-evaluation of Kiermaier's wrist "showed mild displacement," which made the decision to proceed with surgery "logical."

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Kiermaier Comments on Injury

Saturday, May 21

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Kiermaier's Absence Is Major Blow to Rays Defense

The injury occurred in the fifth inning, when Kiermaier attempted to field a shallow fly ball in center field and began to writhe in pain after failing to make the first out of the inning. 

Kiermaier is hitting just .236 with five home runs and 16 RBI during a mundane season at the plate, but his defense has been invaluable to the Rays over the past few seasons.

After piecing together a solid 2014 campaign, Kiermaier broke out in 2015 and cemented his status as one of the league's premier defensive outfielders. According to Baseball-Reference.com, he posted 5.0 defensive wins above replacement en route to snagging Gold Glove honors. He also secured a Platinum Glove in 2015.

Desmond Jennings replaced Kiermaier in center field Saturday, and he figures to be one potential long-term solution in the middle of the outfield while the 26-year-old is on the shelf. However, the Rays could also opt to call up Mike Mahtook in order to keep Jennings slotted as the team's left fielder if the injury proves to be serious.