Rays manager Joe Maddon was so encouraged by third baseman Evan Longoria's progress Sunday that he feels Longoria might be able to pinch-hit as soon as Monday's game against the Astros and could avoid a stint on the disabled list. Longoria is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
"He actually felt pretty good (Sunday)," Maddon said, per the Tampa Bay Times. "It's kind of encouraging. A lot of the pain was different. It wasn't nearly as severe, so we'll see. We might be able to use him in Houston like we had thought."
The Rays aren't ruling out a stint on the disabled list, but Maddon feels confident Longoria can remain on the active roster.
"As of right now I don't think so because he's making some progress," Maddon said. "It's possible, but I don't know. He's just feeling better (Sunday)."