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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:25 p.m., Monday, August 11, 2008

Rays place rookie Evan Longoria on 15-day DL

Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays placed rookie All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria on the 15-day disabled list today because of a right wrist fracture.

The move was retroactive to Friday.

The team recalled outfielder Justin Ruggiano from Triple-A Durham to take his place.

Longoria was injured on Thursday, when he was hit by a pitch from Seattle closer J.J. Putz. The 22-year-old has missed the past three games.

Longoria is hitting .278 and leads the Rays with 22 home runs and 71 RBIs. His 22 homers rank sixth overall in the American League, first among rookies.

Longoria leads American League third basemen with a .971 fielding percentage. Before his injury, he had not missed a game after his contract was purchased from Triple-A Durham on April 12.

In July, Longoria became the youngest Rays position player ever to make the All-Star team. He also was the first Rays rookie to participate in the Home Run Derby.

Ruggiano will begin his fourth stint with the Rays this season. In 15 games, he has batted .290 with one home run and two RBIs while playing all three outfield positions.