Boxberger (abdomen) will progressively be worked back into the closer role according to manager Kevin Cash, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "I think it's fair to say we would probably work Boxy back into the closer's role than stick him right into it," Cash said.
Cash goes on to explain that in a "perfect world" the Rays would like to find a "soft landing spot" for Boxberger to get back into major league action. That opportunity almost presented itself Monday night in the eighth inning, but was short-circuited by the Rays tying the score in the top half of the frame. The 28-year-old will continue to go through pregame conditioning and maintenance work for the time being, and is open to however the team wants to deploy him as he's eased back into action. "I don't have any expectations right now," he said. "I'm just expecting myself to go out there every day and take the ball in whatever situation it is. If that's the ninth, great. And if not, we'll go from there, and just take every day as a new day and be able to help my team in any situation I can."