Tampa Bay Rays reliever Edwin Uceta is dealing with discomfort in his right shoulder after a recent throwing session, according to manager Kevin Cash. Speaking Thursday, Cash said that Uceta “didn’t feel great” while playing catch, prompting the club to plan further medical evaluation for the right-hander.
The issue surfaced as Uceta was testing his shoulder, which had already been described as cranky. During light throwing, the reliever experienced enough discomfort that the team decided to proceed cautiously. Cash indicated that Uceta will probably see a doctor to have the shoulder examined and to determine the extent of the problem.
No additional details were provided about the severity of the shoulder issue, any specific diagnosis, or a projected timeline for Uceta’s return to full activity. The Rays have also not disclosed any changes to his current workload beyond the expectation of medical evaluation. At this stage, the club appears focused on gathering more information before outlining a plan.
Shoulder health is particularly important for pitchers, and teams often respond conservatively when any discomfort arises during throwing. For a reliever like Uceta, whose role depends heavily on being available for frequent outings, even minor setbacks can influence early-season preparation. The decision to involve medical staff suggests the Rays want clarity on whether the discomfort is related to routine soreness or something that requires additional rest or treatment.
With spring work ramping up across Major League Baseball, teams are monitoring pitchers closely for any signs of fatigue or injury. The Rays, known for careful pitcher management, are taking a measured approach by having Uceta evaluated after his shoulder did not respond well to playing catch.
Until the medical review is completed and the team shares more information, Uceta’s status will remain uncertain. For now, the primary focus for both pitcher and club is understanding the nature of the shoulder discomfort and determining the appropriate next steps to protect his health and availability going forward.
