Rays 2B Gavin Lux to Start Season on Injured List

Lux dealing with right shoulder impingement, will miss start of 2026 season

Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Tampa Bay Rays have confirmed that second baseman Gavin Lux will begin the 2026 MLB season on the 10-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. Lux, who was acquired by the Rays in a January trade, was limited to just 7 appearances in spring training and batted .190 with 9 strikeouts.

Why it matters

Lux was expected to be a key part of the Rays' lineup this season after joining the team in an offseason trade. His injury is a setback for Tampa Bay as they look to build on their playoff appearance in 2025 and compete in the competitive AL East division.

The details

Lux, 28, batted .269 with 5 home runs, 28 doubles and 53 RBIs in 140 games with the Cincinnati Reds last season. He is a career .256 hitter with 33 home runs and 208 RBIs in 552 games in the majors. The Rays' roster move to place Lux on the IL has cleared a spot for utility player Richie Palacios, 28, to make the Opening Day roster.

  • Lux's IL move was confirmed by the Rays on Monday, March 23, 2026.
  • The Rays open the 2026 MLB season on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

The players

Gavin Lux

A 28-year-old second baseman who was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays in a January 2026 trade with the Los Angeles Angels.

Richie Palacios

A 28-year-old utility player who has made the Rays' Opening Day roster after Lux's IL move cleared a roster spot.

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What’s next

The Rays will monitor Lux's recovery and hope to have him back in the lineup as soon as possible. The team's medical staff will work to get him healthy and ready to contribute once he is cleared to return.

The takeaway

Lux's injury is a setback for the Rays, but the team has depth to withstand his absence early in the season. How Lux performs upon his return could be a key factor in Tampa Bay's success in 2026.