What happened to Randy Arozarena? Rays star forced to exit crucial game vs Blue Jays early

The Tampa Bay Rays have pulled Randy Arozarena from a very important game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning. Arozarena has been a leader of the Rays all season, and is a big part of the reason they have clinched a playoff spot. They still have a chance to win the American League East, but without one of their top offensive stars, it is hard to see that happening.

Arozarena was seen speaking with Rays manager Kevin Cash, and then disappeared into the clubhouse. He was immediately replaced in the game and will not be returning tonight. Arozarena left the game with right quad tightness, confirmed by Ryan Bass on Twitter.

"Arozarena left tonight’s game with right quad tightness" - Ryan Bass

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times was the first to report Randy Arozarena had been pulled and the corresponding positional changes.

"Arozarena is out of the game; Margot moves to CF, J. Lowe to RF, Ramirez to LF" - Marc Topkin

The Tampa Bay Rays and their fans have to be extremely hopeful that this is only a minor injury and won't linger into the playoffs.

Randy Arozarena has been on a tear this season, and the Tampa Bay Rays need him at full strength

Ever since the World Baseball Classic, Arozarena has been playing with an absurd level of confidence and poise. He was selected to his first All-Star team this season. His batting average is down from typical seasons due to a second-half slowdown that seemed to affect the entire Rays.

Even though he has slowed down, the Rays still clinched a playoff berth, alongside the Baltimore Orioles, very early on. It is tough to see their success translate to the postseason without Randy Arozarena, especially after all the injuries that have hit their team.