Rays RHP Eflin leaves start against Marlins with left knee discomfort

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Zach Eflin left his start Wednesday against the Miami Marlins after four innings because of left knee discomfort.

Eflin, who signed a $40 million, three-year contract during the offseason that was the largest deal for a free agent in Tampa Bay history, was bidding to become the American League's first 12-game winner. Instead, the Rays lost 7-1.

Manager Kevin Cash said Eflin was hurt while attempting to field Garrett Hampson's bunt single leading off the fourth.

“He went to cover the bunt and it just kind of grabbed him,” Cash said. “I think his cleat got caught a little bit. Don't know much more.”

The 29-year-old has a history of knee problems and will undergo testing.

“See how sore he is coming into tomorrow's off day,” Cash said. “I'm happy that he said something — said ‘look it’s sore.' The last thing we want him to do, with a guy that's had some knee issues in the past, is to go out there and try to compete when it's hurting.”

Eflin began last season in the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation but made his last start on June 25 and was sidelined by right knee soreness. He returned on Sept. 14 and made seven appearances out of the bullpen with a 1.17 ERA, then had a 3.38 ERA over 10 2/3 innings in 10 postseason relief outings.

Eflin’s 2021 season was cut short by a torn patellar tendon in his right knee that required surgery. He had surgery on both knees in 2016.

Tampa Bay has starting pitchers Jeffrey Springs (Tommy John surgery), Drew Rasmussen (elbow ligament internal brace surgery), Josh Fleming (left elbow inflammation) and Shane Baz (Tommy John surgey) on the injured list.

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