TORONTO -- Newly acquired infielder Matt Duffy continues to progress in his rehab, and he is expected to join the Rays on Friday.Following the Rays' 7-0 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday night, Richie Shaffer was optioned to Triple-A Durham, ostensibly to clear a spot for Duffy.

TORONTO -- Newly acquired infielder Matt Duffy continues to progress in his rehab, and he is expected to join the Rays on Friday.

Following the Rays' 7-0 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday night, Richie Shaffer was optioned to Triple-A Durham, ostensibly to clear a spot for Duffy.

Duffy (left Achilles strain) came to the Rays, along with two prospects, in the trade that sent Matt Moore to the Giants. Duffy played shortstop throughout his Minor League career, but manned third base for the Giants because they had Brandon Crawford at shortstop. The Rays acquired him to play shortstop, which has moved Brad Miller from short to first base.

In addition to making sure that his Achilles is ready to go, Duffy has been reacquainting himself with shortstop.

He went 0-for-4 for the Bulls on Wednesday night against the Pawtucket Red Sox. Overall, Duffy is 5-for-17 in four games at Durham and Class A Advanced Charlotte.

"Duff's getting close," Rays manager Kevin Cash said before Wednesday's game. "I talked to him on the phone today. He feels like he's in a good spot. His timing at the plate is really good. He's gotten a couple of hits here now, as of late. He feels good around the bag. So we'll get through tonight and then we'll probably talk to him again and see how he feels. But it's getting close."

Worth noting

• First baseman Logan Morrison (right forearm strain) and outfielder Oswaldo Arcía (right elbow strain) will play Thursday night for Charlotte at Jupiter. Morrison has yet to play; Arcia played in his first rehab game Tuesday night and had a two-run triple in three at-bats in Carlotte's 5-0 win over Jupiter.

• Right-hander Alex Cobb (Tommy John surgery) started for Durham on Wednesday night, allowing four runs on eight hits in three innings. Right-hander Chase Whitley (Tommy John surgery) will start for Double-A Montgomery on Thursday night at Tennessee (Cubs).