Johnson on the way ....

Update, 2:48 RHP Matt Garza's rehab start for Class A Vero wasn't pretty, but he appeared to get his work in, allowing eight hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings while striking out four, and giving up four runs while throwing 68 pitches. He left with the bases loaded in the fourth, but the VB-Rays got out of it. Dioner Navarro continues to prosper against Class A pitching, with three hits, including a homer, in his first three at-bats.

Would the Rays have interest in DH Frank Thomas, who was released Sunday by the Jays? Maddon said before the game it was premature to make any comment because the situation was too "fresh,'' but with the Jays having to pick up his salary it's something the Rays likely would at least think about pursuing.

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1B/DH Dan Johnson is said to be on his way to St. Petersburg today, with the Rays planning to announce a roster move after today's game. Optioning OF Justin Ruggiano back to Triple-A Durham would seem most likely, but there are other options. Johnson will be the major-league high 32nd player the Rays use this season.

SS Jason Bartlett is off as scheduled today to rest what manager Joe Maddon described as an "achy" arm, but is expected back in the lineup by Tuesday.

RHP Matt Garza (radial nerve irritation) make a rehab start today for Class A Vero and if all goes well he is expected to rejoin the rotation Friday against Boston. That would be Andy Sonnanstine's turn, but with Monday's off-day Sonnanstine could start Thursday in place of Jeff Niemann, who is a candidate to be sent down to make room for Garza anyway.

C Dioner Navarro (finger cuts) is also playing for Vero today and if gets through today and a DH assignment Monday, he will rejoin the Rays on Tuesday at Disney, with a decision made between backup Cs Mike DiFelice and Shawn Riggans.

As for today's lineup:

Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, dh
Longoria, 3b
Gomes, rf
Hinske, 1b
Riggans, c
Johnson, ss
Jackson, p

SOX
Swisher, 1b
Cabrera, ss
Thome, dh
Dye, rf
Pierzynski, c
Crede, 3b
Quentin, lf
Anderson, cf
Uribe, 2b
Danks, p

Comments

[irritated]

garza's earning those accolades every day, huh!!!

[AP]

Thomas may not bring the type of productivity that the team needs in the long-term, but at least I would go see a few games this year if they put him in the lineup.

[jb]

Garza and the SS they got from the Twins are both LOSERS!..But then again we are still holding down the fort in LAST PLACE....again..

GO RAYS