ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. (AP) - Tampa Bay‘s Carlos Pena was scratched from the lineup for Game 2 of the Rays’ first-round playoff series against the Chicago White Sox because of slightly blurred vision in his left eye Friday.
The slugger, who led the AL East champions with 31 homers and 102 RBIs this season, scratched his cornea at home Wednesday and was removed from Game 1 of the series after two innings on Thursday.
Pena fielded grounders and took batting practice Friday. Less than an hour before game time the Rays announced he would not be in the lineup.
“Still a little blurry, but a lot better than yesterday,” Pena said before batting practice.
Willy Aybar replaced Pena at first base and batted fifth, with Carl Crawford moving up two spots into Pena’s customary No. 3 hole.
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