Replacing Kiermaier will be team effort for Rays

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Replacing a two-time Gold Glove Award winner is not going to be easy. For at least a few months, the Rays will have to do so without Kevin Kiermaier after he slammed his thumb while stealing second base Sunday. 

"I'm realistic in the fact that KK is probably our best player on the field and we're missing him," said Rays manager Kevin Cash. 

In the team's first outing minus Kiermaier Monday night, the Rays put an end to a four-game skid, beating the Rangers 8-4. Mallex Smith, who took over for Kiermaier in center, had a four-hit night. Cash says Smith will probably get the bulk of the opportunity. 

"In all sports, people go down," said Smith. "Other guys have to step up. [We] just have to be very optimistic about it." 

Smith, along with Carlos Gomez and Johnny Field -- who made his big league debut this season -- will likely all share time in center field. 

"The Rays have always been pretty big on guys being versatile, being able to play multiple positions, coming up in the minors and stuff," said Field. "Between me, Mallex, and Gomez, we could all play center field, play all three spots. I'm not sure what they're going to do, but I'm sure all three of us are comfortable playing center, whenever they need us out there."

"We need to stay positive and keep working, and maintain the good attitude here," said Gomez. "It's most important." 

Kiermaier is a clubhouse leader. The loss of him won't just be felt on game days, but every day in between. 

"We know we're in a rough patch, a rut here, KK going down doesn't help us get out of it," added Cash. "If we can kind of rally around that and pick each other up, maybe we'll be better for it. We're not going to be better without him, we know that. But, maybe, the mindsets will change and guys will do the little things to help us win some ball games."