Casey Kotchman Hospitalized with Chest Pains

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Casey Kotchman missed yesterday’s game after he was taken to the hospital with chest pains.  All tests came back negative, but the Rays are uncertain of Kotchman’s status for Wednesday’s season finale.

Kotchman, who was originally in the Rays Tuesday night lineup, had to be rolled out of Tampa Bay’s clubhouse an hour and a half before their contest against the New York Yankees.  Kotchman was taken to a nearby hospital and run through several precautionary tests.  After passing review, Kotchman was released late last night.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said that he was at first unaware of Kotchman’s condition.  Maddon was told by Tampa Bay’s training staff when Kotchman was sent to the hospital, and then informed soon after that everything appeared to be alright.

While several of his teammates were shaken up at the site of Kotchman being taken away, they were all relieved to hear that he was doing better.

As far as Kotchman’s return to the Rays lineup, Maddon said that will have to be a wait-and-see situation.  Maddon will have to see how Kotchman returns tonight and the first baseman will likely be monitored leading up and even into Wednesday’s game.

Kotchman has been solid this season for the Rays.  Known more for his glove, Kotchman has more than held his own at the plate in 2011.  The 28-year-old has put up a line of .305/.377/.422 with 36 extra base hits and 48 RBI’s this season.

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