Rays' Matt Duffy: Could be held out early in spring training

Duffy (heel) could be held out of early spring training games according to manager Kevin Cash, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis:

The 26-year-old shortstop will be a pivotal piece of the Rays infield in the coming season, so the team may unsurprisingly tread carefully with him early on. Duffy appeared in 21 games for Tampa last season after coming over at the trade deadline from San Francisco, and slashed .258/.310/.357 with 14 doubles, two triples, five homers and 28 RBI over a combined 366 plate appearances in 2016.