Rays News: Ji-Man Choi Latest Injury Update

Few divisions in the MLB are as close as the battle for the AL East.

Despite being in fourth place with a 20-19 record, the Tampa Bay Rays are just three games back of the top-seeded Boston Red Sox. If the Rays want to win back-to-back AL East titles for the first time in franchise history, they could use some help from first baseman and designated hitter Ji-Man Choi.

Choi has yet to suit up for a game yet this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee at the end of March. Fortunately, the Rays received a great injury update regarding him on Friday and it looks like he could be back in the lineup soon.

#Rays Cash said Choi had a very good day taking BP. fielding ground balls and running bases. Said they feel they are "in a better spot" with him than they were 24 hours ago, and that he is closer to being activated
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 14, 2021

Ji-Man Choi Injury Update

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that Choi was having a "very good day" working out at batting practice while also fielding ground balls and working on his base running. Cash also added that it was an improvement over the previous 24 hours and that Choi is "closer" to being taken off of the injured list.

Choi has spent the past three seasons with the Rays, hitting 30 home runs and 106 RBIs in 692 at-bats while slashing .257/.359/.461. Those aren't the most mind-blowing numbers, but it would be an improvement over the Rays' current first base situation. While Yandy Diaz has been decent in Choi's absence, Mike Brosseau has been the opposite offensively, batting at a .163 average.

As it stands the Rays currently have the 13th-best odds to win the World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Assuming Choi is back in the lineup soon and plays like his old self, Tampa Bay could see its odds improve as the season goes on.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!