Rays to miss ARod

The Rays host a four-game series with the Yankees, but they won't have to worry about facing Alex Rodriguez.

Rodriguez's strained right quadriceps are improving, but after an MRI didn't reveal enough improvement Monday, manager Joe Girardi said he expects the All-Star third baseman out through this week. Rodriguez, who was working out in Tampa, could see some action at extended spring, but Girardi said ARod probably won't be cleared for any time of game action for at least a couple days.

"It's still not where it needs to be," Girardi said.

As for the Rays, there are positive news on the health front. Both RHP Al Reyes and INF Ben Zobrist could be activated Tuesday, with Zobrist getting the pins out of his fractured left thumb this morning. That would mean a few more roster moves could be coming, with Andy Cannizaro (who has options) likely sent down to Durham; though the bullpen switch could be interesting.

Matt Garza will start tonight, coming off arguably his best outing as a Ray in Toronto. The Yankees will start LHP Andy Pettitte, who has typically favored well against the Rays.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Longoria, 3b

Gomes, dh

Navarro, c

Hinske, rf

Bartlett, ss

YANKEES

Damon, lf

Jeter, ss

Abreu, rf

Matsui, dh

Giambi, 1b

Cabrera, cf

Cano, 2b

Molina, C

Gonzalez, 3b

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Comments

[Kris]

Let's sock it to 'em!

[Murf]

The Rays have just beaten the Yankees 7 to 1! ESPN commented on the low attendance during Sports Center tonight. So come on Rays fans, get out to the Trop and support this team. Let's shout those damn Tampa Yankee fans out of our stadium!

[Lori]

Awesome.
http://the6-4-3.mlblogs.com/

[Jimmy Mack]

Attendence is a crying shame! The place should be sold out every night with the way the Rays are playing. I don't mean transitional Yankee dogs, either! Supporting the team means more than buying a ballcap. Chill out at the Trop!

[Bryan]

The Rays youth is starting to mature and is really starting to gel as a team. The pitching has been nothing short of exemplary and the bats are starting to come alive with regularity. The defense is among the best in baseball at the moment and the base running has become outstanding. The Rays have become an exciting and entertaining team to watch. Congratulations Rays, now just demonstrate to we your fans, that your current level of play can be maintained throughout a full season so that we can finally label the franchise a success. GO RAYS!!!!

[Steve S.]

Too bad the Tampa Bay area doesn't deserve this team now that it's finally consistently winning. 13,000 fans? For the YANKEES, for crying out loud??? When you've got a team on the cusp of competing for a playoff spot?

For the last decade, the Rays were the joke. Now the tabes have turned, and it's the people of the Bay area who refuse to support this team who are the laughingstock now.

[Jesse]

It was a freakin Monday night..I was there Fri-Sun against the Angels and Friday there was about 15k, Sat about 25k (which were 90% Rays fans).. Obviously fans are going to go more on the weekends and the Rays scheduled the Yanks ALL during the week for marketing purposes..Yanks dont come on the wknds once this year cuz they know they will draw fans on the wknd regardless of who is playing... See you all at the Trop tonight!!! Here we go Shields

[time]

Give it time. The fans will come. We are DEEP into a recession with every dollar mattering....and the attendance isn't falling off.....when it should be lower because of cost of living...yet, it's the same......so that shows 'improvement.' The Bucs used to be in the same boat......so give it time, the fans will come.

[Joe Six Pack]

hey Steve S.: while they are playing very well right now, you must also remember that this organization has collectively taken a big DUMP on the fans for the last decade with a minor league product for us to "support".

I've always supported the Rays and drive from North Pinellas about 12-14 times per year to catch games. They FINALLY brought the payroll up to a half-way palatable level and will need to continue to pay these up and coming stars ... which the new regime says they will!

Don't expect everyone to be won over in a 6 week timeframe! I think it's almost hilarious that the front-runnin' ratbastard Yankee fans stayed away in droves because they know that we're not their doormat any longer.

[Rico the NewYorican]

hey meng, i go to game last night --- maybe you see me there

I the guy who wear bucs shirt and Yankee hat cuz i am diehard Yankee fan!

my hermanos stay home though cuz they not sure they like Yankee anymoor

i mite get rays hat if they win 3 game from yankees this weak