The Tampa Bay Rays lost All-Star reliever — and primary closer — Andrew Kittredge to the injured list on Thursday . Power-hitting catcher Mike Zunino joined him on the shelf on Friday.
While Zunino has struggled in the early part of this season, he’s coming off a 2021 campaign in which he made his first All-Star team. The backstop shattered his previous career high with 33 home runs last year, while also posting career-best marks in runs scored (64), slugging percentage (.559) and OPS (.860).
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times later confirmed that Zunino was officially headed to the IL.
Per Topkin, the 31-year-old also dealt with a shoulder ailment during spring training, though it’s “unclear” if this injury is related to the prior issue.
