On scene in Oakland, day three
The Rays go for the sweep today in Oakland with a couple of their key players getting days off - LF Carl Crawford and C Dioner Navarro.
Manager Joe Maddon wanted to rest both, allowing them to have the benefit of two days of rest as the Rays are off Thursday before beginning a season-high 10-game homestand against the Orioles, Rangers and White Sox.
Jonny Gomes is starting in left, but the Rays will be quick to bring in a defensive replacement if the game is close, and Shawn Riggans is behind the plate.
Closer Troy Percival won't be used today, Maddon said, after feeling some tightness in his left hamstring during Tuesday's win, but is expected to be fine by Friday. Maddon would also like to avoid using Dan Wheeler, so Al Reyes is in line to close.
The lineups:
Rays
Iwamura, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, dh
Gomes, lf
Gross, rf
Riggans, c
Sonnanstine, p
A's
Hannahan, 3b
Crosby, ss
Cust, lf
Thomas, dh
R. Sweeney, cf
Brown, rf
Barton, 1b
Suzuki, c
Petit., 2b
Eveland, p
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Aki has never seen a first call strike that he would swing at and the opposing pitchers know it.
Posted by: Howard | May 21, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Much needed rest! Who can argue with their success? I agree a sweeop in STL was within reach - but no worries.
We can take it out on the Yankees...
Posted by: Rob | May 21, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Still a decent roadtrip if we end up .500. Should have had a sweep in St. Louis, and probably Oakland...but still exciting to watch. Just cant wait for the bats to wake up.
Posted by: bayrays | May 21, 2008 at 04:48 PM