The fact that Matt Duffy was having problems with his heel was not news for the Tampa Bay Rays. They knew he was having problems with his left foot when he was acquired from the San Francisco Giants as part of the Matt Moore trade. Nonetheless, they expected that he would be an important part of their future.
After Duffy underwent season ending surgery on that troublesome heel in September, he was expected to be limited in Spring Training. Even with those limitations, Duffy was expected to be ready for Opening Day, ready to take over as the Rays shortstop.