Timetable set back on Rocco

Rays manager Joe Maddon's remarks about the health of Rocco Baldelli are beginning to sounds eerily similar to the ones from last spring training, when a hamstring injury kept the Rays starting centerfielder out until June.

Maddon said Baldelli, who tweaked his right hamstring Tuesday, is still day by day, but that he will take no chances in bringing Baldelli back before he's ready. Already, Maddon pushed the timetable back. He thought Baldelli might be able to return Saturday or Sunday, but told reporters before Thursday's game it will be more like Sunday or Monday.

Maddon, however, said head trainer Ron Porterfield likened the injury to one that kept Baldelli out for four games last season.

"I'd like to believe that's true," Maddon said. "We're hoping it's like it had been last year with the four-day window." 

Speaking of hammys, catcher Dioner Navarro, who has been out with the left hamstring strain, will return to the lineup and catch three innings. Maddon said he will take a day off, then extend to five innings, in hopes that he will be ready to start opening day.

Comments

[Daniel]

Maybe Baldelli's injury will give Elijah Dukes a chance to show Maddon what he can do. If Baldelli is out for an extended period of time, like last year, and Dukes really steps up--and doesn't mess up like he has in the past--maybe Baldelli can be traded for an arm or two. It looks like Baldelli is going to be injured chronically, so I think he should be traded, but I can understand why they would not want to give the job to Dukes. I also understand that most teams do not want to trade their talented pitchers.

[Jeff]

"It looks like Baldelli is going to be injured chronically". . . so with that logic, who or what could you get for him? How about a damaged goods (head and ham) trade including McClung? Jump on it teams!

[skeals]

Daniel - As far as Dukes goes. You don't want that guy on the team, their has been many unreported events regarding Dukes and teamates. A guy like that is a cancer. I haven't given up on him yet, but before he can play in the bigs he must play nice with others in the minors. Lets hope Roc loosens up soon. We need his bat and attitude.