The Tampa Bay Rays have placed left fielder Desmond Jennings on the disabled list prior to Sunday's game with the Baltimore Orioles. MLB.com's Michael Kolligian reports that the disablement is due to bursitis in Jennings's left knee and is retroactive to April 26.
WebMD.com defines bursitis as "the inflammation or irritation of the bursa." The site goes on to explain further: "The bursa is a sac filled with lubricating fluid, located between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin, that decreases rubbing, friction, and irritation."
Jennings last played on April 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays, going 1 for 3 with two strikeouts. After a few days of rest, he was supposed to DH Saturday night, but manager Kevin Cash scracthed him just before the game started because of the pain Jennings still feels.
Jennings is hitting a disappointing .222 with 0 HR and 2 RBI so far on the season, but perhaps after he treats his injury, rests, and recovers, he can return to his normal form.
The Rays called up Joey Butler from Triple-A Durham to fill in the roster spot and inserted him into Sunday's lineup for his season debut. Butler was hitting .317 with 2 HR and 15 RBI in 22 games in Triple A. He has four hits and one RBI in 17 Major League at bats in his career entering Sunday's game.