Tampa Bay Rays finally getting a healthy Matt Duffy

After a lost 2017, the Tampa Bay Rays will finally get a chance to see what they have in Matt Duffy.

In a lot of ways, Matt Duffy was a forgotten man for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017. Originally acquired as part of the Matt Moore trade, Duffy was expected to become the Rays primary shortstop. However, he injured his Achilles tendon, requiring surgery in September 2016 that ended his first season in Tampa Bay.

That second season never materialized. Expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, Duffy continued to have setback after setback, with the Rays unsure of what was wrong with his ankle. Eventually, he needed a second surgery on his Achilles, ending his season before it began.

Now, the Rays are set to see what they have in Duffy. He is finally healthy, working to make sure that his ankle retains its strength. He has had therapy three times a week, just to make sure that the ankle is structurally sound. Duffy has also begun running on a track again, as he is getting back into shape for the upcoming season.

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That campaign will involve more changes for Duffy. He had been expected to be the Rays shortstop, but last season’s trade for Adeiny Hechavarria has given Tampa bay an excellent defensive option at the position. However, there is a place in the lineup, as the trade of Evan Longoria has made third base available.

Although he was primarily a shortstop in the minors, Duffy has acquitted himself well to third. While he is not Longoria with the glove, Duffy has been an above average third baseman during his time in the majors. He has saved three runs in his 206 appearances at third, while posting a 2.66 range factor. In fact, Duffy has proven to be better defensively at third than he was at short.

Now the Rays will need Duffy to prove he can hit like a corner infielder. Over his major league career, he has posted a .281/.324/.395 batting line with 20 homers; solid numbers, but his OPS+ of 97 is not what one expects from a third baseman. Duffy will need to hit a lot better to prove himself worthy of a starting role and a place in the Rays future.

However, he will be afforded that opportunity. Duffy will be only 27 years old on Opening Day, and should be entering his prime. As he knocks off the rust, Duffy will be tasked with proving that he can be an impact bat in the Rays lineup. Even if he does not hit for power, he will still need to put the ball in play and get on base.

Next: Finding the Rays next ace

The Tampa Bay Rays will finally have a chance to see what they have in Matt Duffy. For the first time since being acquired, he is finally healthy.