Rays center fielder B.J. Upton has been sidelined since an outfield collision with left fielder Desmond Jennings March 14. And he hasn't been able to make enough progress to be with his teammates on opening day. Upton told reporters Wednesday that he'll open the season on the 15-day disabled list (MLB.com). The problem? Tightness.
"Won't loosen up," he said (MLB.com). "Other than that nothing major is going on. I just think it's getting it loose and keeping it loose. I haven't been able to do that yet."
According to the MLB.com report, Upton met with manager Joe Maddon and executive vice president Andrew Friedman Wednesday night, and that's when it was determined to start the 2012 season on the DL.
Upton, 27, hit .243/.331/.429 with 23 homers, 81 RBI, 82 runs and 36 stolen bases last season. The Rays have the option of sliding Jennings to center with Upton out. They can then use Ben Zobrist in right field and play Jeff Keppinger at second base (with Sean Rodriguez at short). Elliot Johnson is also an option as a starter.
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