It has been reported that Evan Longoria will be out the following 2 games due to a death in his family.  The Rays organization has known about this for a few days.  Willy Aybar will be holding down 3rd base for Longo while he mourns with his family at home in California.   

Joe Maddon was quoted as saying that Evan wanted to keep this private but was not able to due to technology.  Writers, bloggers and others made incorrect inferences in articles after it was originally reported Longo would be gone for a few days for “family matters”.   Maddon felt it necessary to protect Evan by admitting there was a death in his family. 

Evan has gotten off to a torrid start this young season earning AL Player of the Week honors last week.  We will certainly miss him in our lineup the next few games (Willy will bridge that gap nicely) but nothing is more important thatn family.

My condolences to Evan and his family during this difficult time!