Rays-Red Sox, day 2

Update, 6:17 p.m. There's nothing official, but it sure sounds as if closer Troy Percival is headed to the disabled list due to his left hamstring problem. "It may be, probably, I just don't want to jump the gun, but if I had to guess, that may be what's going to occur,'' manager Joe Maddon said before the game.

Percival was to examined Tuesday night, and the Rays could make a move after the game or sometime before Wednesday's game. RHP Scott Dohmann would seem a likely candidate to be called up, though he would first have to be re-added to the 40-man roster. But with RHP Al Reyes looking like he will be ready to come off the DL early next week, the Rays could opt for a short-term fix and stick with a rostered pitcher, such as Jeff Niemann or Mitch Talbot, and use them in long relief, with Jason Hammel getting an increased role.

Otherwise, Rays manager Joe Maddon said he was glad to have a full complement of bench players again, as 2B Akinori Iwamura concluded his suspension and returned to the top spot of the lineup.

When the talk turned to All-Stars - with the teams to be named on Sunday - Maddon restated his support for three Rays, LHP J.P. Howell, C Dioner Navarro and LHP Scott Kazmir; and added a fourth, RHP Dan Wheeler.

No word yet from the Rays clubhouse on the status of RHP Troy Percival, but the lineups have filtered out, and DH Cliff Floyd is making his first start for the Rays since June 22 and 2B Akinori Iwamura is officially off his suspension. And with knuckleballer Tim Wakefield on the mound, the Sox have Tampa product and ex-Ray Kevin Cash behind the plate.

The lineups:

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, DH
Navarro, c
Hinske, rf
Bartlett, ss
Garza, p

SOX
Ellsbury, cf
Pedroia, 2b
Drew, rf
Ramirez, dh
Lowell, 3b
Youkilis, 1b
Moss, lf
Cora, ss
Cash, c
Wakefield, p

Comments

[Dave]

That's another example of how media distorts the facts. It's the ESPN syndrome. Big media outlets try to draw controversy these days opposed to just reporting the facts. They have to create controversy to feed all the daytime talk shows.

[Brian]

The host is looking for you guys, I guess he got word that his station made this blog, but he can't find it.

[Brian]

Propaganda is the word for what goes on up here in N.E. The truth seems to rarely get in the way, which is why I think you folks should be calling in and jamming his e-mail. I saw a Rays crowd last night. I was there for the Yankees series, and it was pretty electric and a Rays crowd. Last night looked like something different entirely.

As far as Pena goes, I thought is swing looked pretty good, especially on the double, with a lot less loop in it. I am still concerned about the hammy as well. Let's hope Percy is o.k. Rock The Pit again!!!

[Bodog]

Ray F....the finger doesn't concern me, did you see him running in the last pirates game.....seems like that hammy is still lingering......I agree with you in batting him behind longo, I liked that batting order they had in Pittsburg where Hinski batted fourth, longo fifth and Pena 6th

[Ray F]

Ughhh Brian. That's complete B.S. i was at last night's game and every time a Red Sux player was announced, we drowned out their cheers with boos. Even Youk knew it was "BOO" and not "YUUUUK". Dirty propaganda from someone who wasn't their.

I'm sure he didn't mention Drew's homerun ball that was tossed back on the field. or the fact that the whole right field crowd gave Gabe Gross a standing ovation when he returned to the Field after his monster blast.

...to the lineup though...

Why is Pena hitting cleanup already? He needs to get his swing back. He had a couple good at bats yesterday including the RBI, but Joe needs to drop him to 6th or 7th and let him regain his confidence with guys like Longo, Hinske, Aybar, and Floyd to produce in front of him. With all Longo's doubles, Pena should be behind him in the order because he can drive Longo in with a base hit. I'm not sure I trust Pena running from 2nd to home and sliding into the catcher with a busted finger.

[Brian]

Just wanted to let you know what they are saying on the radio in Maine (unfortunately I'm stuck here right now). DESPITE THE RAYS SUCCESS, RED SOX FANS OUTNUMBERED RAYS FANS 70%/30/%.
This is on "The P.M. Jab" in Maine. I think you guys should give them a call . Email chris@thebigjab.com
Studio Line: 775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505
The PM Jab: 4pm - 7pm

The PM JAB gives you local talk in the afternoon. Join Chris Sedenka as he talks Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and more. The phone lines are open weekdays from 4-7pm for the PM Jab!