Rays' Matt Duffy: Ahead of schedule in rehab

Manager Kevin Cash said Thursday that Duffy is "very much ahead of schedule" in his recovery from left heel surgery, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis:

Duffy battled soreness in his Achilles/heel area throughout much of the season and ultimately underwent surgery in early September. He's been working through some atrophy since shedding his walking boot, but the Rays seem optimistic that Duffy will be ready for spring training. Entering his age-26 season, Duffy projects as the primary shortstop if indeed healthy.