As the Tampa Bay Rays are aiming to keep pace with the AL East-leading New York Yankees, they could soon receive a much-needed boost to their lineup.

Rays right fielder Manuel Margot, who has been sidelined as of late due to a right hamstring strain injury, arrived with the team for the start of its three-game road series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. The veteran outfielder noted that he is targeting a return to action on Tuesday for the opener of the two-game home series against the Miami Marlins.

Margot has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury ever since he left the Rays’ May 2 road contest against the Los Angeles Angels due to the ailment. He missed the remainder of the series, which proved to be costly as the reigning AL East winners were no-hit in the following game by Angels rookie Reid Detmers.

Margot would go on to return to the Rays lineup as a designated hitter for the opening two games of the home series clash with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, the decision was later made to place him on the 10-day injured list. He later noted that his injury is “getting better” but also added that the call to sideline him from the field would “help” him at this stage in the campaign.

Margot has been on quite a stout start to the 2022 season, posting career highs in batting average (.348) and OBP (.412).

The Rays are just coming off of back-to-back series wins over the Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers.