Pena back in lineup; Rocco in right

Carlos Pena is back in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the American League Division Series.

Pena, who left Thursday's game in the second inning with slightly blurred vision in his left eye, will be at his regular spot at first base; Pena had accidentally scratched the eye Wednesday night at home, and doctors had assured him he'd be back to normal in 24 hours. 

Pena said after taking ground balls he was better but still not 100 percent and would be re-evaluated just before game time.

Manager Joe Maddon has decided to put Rocco Baldelli in rightfield, pitting several right-handed hitters and switch-hitters against White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Longoria, 3b

Crawford, lf

Baldelli, rf

Navarro, c

Aybar, dh

Bartlett, ss

Kazmir, LHP

WHITE SOX
Cabrera, ss

Swisher, lf

Dye, rf

Konerko, 1b

Thome, dh

Ramirez, 2b

Pierzynski, c

Uribe, 3b

Anderson, cf

Buehrle, lhp

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

*

The Rays ALDS opponent is.....the White Sox

Update: 11 pm The Rays finally have an opponent for the AL Division Series Thursday: the White Sox.

The White Sox, having squandered an AL Central lead in the last two weeks, staved off elimination for the third straight day, winning a 1-0 one-game playoff with the Twins on Tuesday night to clinch the division title and a date with Tampa Bay.

Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said that veteran righthander Javier Vazquez will start Game 1 (Thursday at 2:30 pm at the Trop), going up against Rays righthander James Shields.

The White Sox had a relatively subdued celebration in their clubhouse - more cigars than champagne - and took a been-there-done-that kind of approach to their upcoming series. They praised the Rays - ex-Ray Guillen said he was "proud" to manage against them - and expect a tough series, but DH Jim Thome said, "We like our chances."

"I'd rather face them than Boston right now in the first round," Chicago left-hander Mark Buehrle said. "They kind of remind me of this team here, they go out there get on base, they steal, they hit and run. They do everything they're supposed to do."

Said Thome of the Rays: "They've got a tremendous team. Credit Joe Maddon. All year long they've played very well there. They've got good pitching. They've got a very good team. We've got to feed off the momentum here the last two weeks.

"We like our chances. But we understand going down there, it's gonna be a good series, a tough series. And we respect those guys a lot."

The baseball world - specifically the Rays - will likely have their eyes on the only game in town, the White Sox-Twins one-game playoff in Chicago for the AL Central title.

In the unique setup, it's only fitting that both clubhouses had plastic lining set up atop the lockers before the game - an anticipation of a champagne celebration for someone.

The winner won't have much time to celebrate, as they'll have  gets to play the Rays in the AL Division series (opening Thursday at 2:30 pm at Tropicana Field). A late-night flight and Wednesday afternoon workout will welcome the AL Central champion.

Ex-Rays Delmon Young and Brendan Harris are in the lineup for the Twins, as well as Tampa Catholic product Denard Span, who is leading off and in rightfield.

How important was that coin flip that gave the White Sox  home field advantage for game No. 163? The Sox are 7-2 against the Twins at home this year, 1-8 at the Metrodome.

Stay tuned....

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

All eyes in Windy City

Update 3:18 pm (central) It's still raining in Chicago, but club officials have now announced that the storm will likely be gone in 10 minutes, so the official gametime for the White Sox-Tigers makeup game is at 4 p.m. (central).

Update 12:58 pm (central) The White Sox-Tigers makeup game is under a rain delay right now. There was no indication of time, but with the train slowing down, it shouldn't be a huge problem.

The Rays opponent for their first ever playoff appearance could be decided today on a drizzly afternoon here in Chicago.

The White Sox, which trail the Twins by 1/2 game in the AL Central, must win a make-up game today against the Tigers (at 2 pm Eastern) in order to stay alive. That would force a one-game playoff Tuesday in Chicago (at 7:30 Eastern on TBS) with the Twins; the winner would play the Rays on Thursday in the ALDS opener at Tropicana Field.

The Twins, like the Rays, will just have to watch and wait today. Minnesota players are planning on watching the Sox-Tigers game on television from their clubhouse (with champagne likely on ice).

But, from what it looks like, getting through today won't be an easy task for the White Sox. First, there's the slow but steady rain that has been pouring for the past couple hours at U.S. Cellular Field (the tarp is on, and there's not expected to be a delay, but we'll keep you posted).

The second thing is the Tigers, a group which doesn't appear to be ready to give their division rivals a break in the makeup game. Tigers manager Jim Leyland said this makeup game has created some of the most excitement his club - which has gone from preseason World Series contenders to cellar dwellars in the Central -  has experienced all season.

The Tigers have put most of their regulars in the lineup (Miguel Cabrera, Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez) and Tampa native Gary Sheffield, who will bat second (and is one homer shy of the 500 mark).

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays ready for (regular-season) finale

The Rays are preparing for the final game of the season that isn't really the end, and their biggest questions remains who they will play - the Twins or White Sox.

That could be decided today, if the Twins win and the White Sox lose. In any other combination, the answer won't come until at least Monday, when the White Sox and Tigers would play a makeup game at 2 p.m. in Chicago. And depending on what happens then, the White Sox and Twins could have a one-game playoff on Tuesday afternoon in Chicago for the right to play the Rays.

The Rays are treating today's game somewhat like a spring training game. Manager Joe Maddon polled the regulars to see who wanted to play, and ended up resting C Dioner Navarro, SS Jason Bartlett (who's had a bit of a cold)and 1B Carlos Pena.

Starter James Shields will work only an inning or two, and then the relievers who want a tuneup will follow. Rookie John Jaso is making his first start behing the plate.

Also, LF Carl Crawford had another positive batting practice session before Sunday's game and will further test his surgically prepared right hand Monday in an instructional league game at 1 p.m. at the Naimoli minor-league complex in St. Petersburg. Crawford is optimisitic about returning to the lineup for Thursday's playoffs opener.

The Rays announced they will have workouts at 1 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Trop.

Rays back on the field

A bit groggy and with nothing left to be determined in regards to postseason matchups, the Rays are getting ready for tonight's game against the Tigers without most of their regulars.

The big news pre-game was a succesful batting practice session by Carl Crawford, impressive enough that manager Joe Maddon seemed to sound a lot more optimistic about the possibility of Crawford being ready to be on the postseason roster.

Maddon said postseason roster decisions won't be made until after a meeting Monday, but did say the starters for the first two games will be James Shields and Scott Kazmir, though without committing to an order.

Shields will still start on Sunday, but won't work more than two innings (and possibly just one) in a tune-up session.

Matt Garza, the likely Game 3 starter, probably will be limited to five innings tonight.

The Rays still hope to see LHP David Price and RHP Troy Percival pitch either tonight or Sunday as their status is undetermined for the first round.

Otherwise, the most interesting development tonight could be whether Tampa's Gary Sheffield hits his 500th home run.

The lineups:

RAYS
Perez, cf
Zobrist, ss
Longoria, 3b
Baldelli, dh
Aybar, 2b
Johnson, 1b
Ruggiano, lf
Gomes, rf
Hernandez, c
Garza, p

TIGERS
Granderson, cf
Santiago, 2b
Ordonez, rf
Cabreram 1b
Sheffield, dh
Larish, 3b
Joyce, lf
Renteria, ss
Inge, c
Willis, p

Tired and unhappy Rays preparing for clincher

After a 3 a.m. arrival at their Dearborn, Mich., hotel and a short night, the Rays are preparing for their unusual early game at Comerica Park with a chance to clinch the American League East division championship with a win.

And they aren't particularly happy about the situation, having to play at 1:05 today after a night game in Baltimore on Wednesday.

"Just pretty poor planning,'' manager Joe Maddon said. "You can't slice it any other way. I'm not going to sit here and agree with what was done. I'm sure it was planned in advance, or based on the previous reputation of the (Tampa Bay) organization. That's what I got.

"Because there's no way the Yankees would be sitting here right now. ... Or anybody. It's just inappropriate.''

The game is being played during the day as part of a Seniors Day promotion.

Maddon, who estimated most players got 3-5 hours of sleep, gave 2B Akinori Iwamura and DH Cliff Floyd the day off. Ben Zobrist is at second and Willy Aybar at DH. C Dioner Navarro would have gotten the day off if the Rays weren't in position to clinch.

The Rays lineup:
Upton, cf
Zobrist, 2b
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Aybar, dh
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Hinske, lf
Bartlett, ss
Kazmir, p

TIGERS
Santiago, ss
Thames, dh
Ordonez, rf
Cabrera, 1b
Hessman, 3b
Raburn, 2b
Inge, cf
Joyce, lf
Ryan, c
Galarraga, p

Rays go for title; Percival says he'll be ready

UPDATE, 6:23: LF Carl Crawford said his right hand felt good again after hitting off a tee on Wednesday, but he is frustrated because he likely won't get medical clearance to start hitting in time to play in the first round of the playoffs. Manager Joe Maddon said no decisions have been made.

Maddon also said he will probably wait until Friday to put Percival in a game, and would hope to pitch him twice over the weekend, and that if Percival is healthy and "effective" he would be on the roster.

The Rays are also planning to pitch David Price during the weekend to see how effective he can be in relief.

- - - - -  -

The Rays are readying for tonight's game against the Orioles, knowing that if they win and the Red Sox lose they can clinch the AL East title, the first team besides the Yankees or Red Sox to do so since 1997.

RHP Troy Percival rejoined the team after receiving a second round of epidural injections in his back on Tuesday, and said he was confident he would be healthy enough to be on the roster for the division series but knew it was not just his decision.

"Health-wise I think I'll be fine,'' he said. "It's up to them on what they want to do to give them the best opportunity.''

Wednesday's lineup is the somewhat regular setup against righthanders.

Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, dh
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Hinske, lf
Bartlett, ss
Jackon, p

Long day's night for Rays

UPDATE, 7:56: Game two of tonight's doubleheader is scheduled to start at 8:25 p.m.

UPDATE, 5:40 LF Carl Crawford was glowing after his afternoon workout to test his surgically repaired right hand and said he thinks he could rejoin the lineup for next week's opening round of the playoffs.

"Definitely in my mind I want to be in the lineup by next week,'' Crawford said. "If I'm able to go out there and do the stuff I did today then I should be able to get in the lineup, whether it's good or bad.''

Crawford hit balls off a tee, and bunted a few times, and reported no pain; he has been sidelined following Aug. 14 surgery to repair the band that secures the tendon along his right middle finger.

"Just me being able to swing the bat with no pain is such a big step for me,'' he said. "I'm happy with that.'''

Manager Joe Maddon said before the first game of the doubleheader that he had not had a chance to get updated by head atheltic trainer Ron Porterfield.

Also, RHP Troy Percival will rejoin the team Wednesday, after getting another epidural injection in his back. He will be available to pitch starting Thursday, and Maddon made it sound like Percival's availability to pitch on consecutive days could be a key to deciding whether he is on the roster for the first round of the playoffs.

- - - - - 

The Rays are preparing for a long day and night at Camden Yards.

With lefty Garrett Olson on the mound in the opener, the Rays are looking righthanded for the opener.

Ben Zobrist, Fernando Perez and Evan Longoria are the only players scheduled to start both games.

Here is the first game lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Baldelli, dh
Navarro, c
Zobrist, lf
Bartlett, ss
Perez. rf
Shields, p

Rays get back to business

After Sunday's morning-after loss, the Rays are back to their usual lineup for tonight's game in Baltimore as they seek to move closer to securing the AL East title. If the Rays go 4-4 in their final eight games, the Red Sox have to go 6-1 in their final seven to finish ahead of them and win the division. The Rays already own the tiebreaker.

Tonight is also a big night because it's the first major-league start by LHP David Price, the top pick in last year's draft who worked through three minor-league levels this season.

The lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, dh
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Hinske, lf
Bartlett, ss
Price, p

Upton back in starting lineup; so is Rocco

The Rays, coming off a dramatic, playoff-clinching victory (and celebration), return for an early matinee against the Twins at Tropicana Field.

And, as expected, a few of the regulars get days off (SS Jason Bartlett, 2B Akinori Iwamura, C Dioner Navarro).

But the big names back in the starting lineup today are CF B.J. Upton, who had missed 10 straight games with strained left quadriceps before pinch-hitting Saturday, and OF Rocco Baldelli, who will play in rightfield.

RAYS
Upton, cf

Zobrist, ss

Pena, dh

Longoria, 3b

Aybar, 2b

Baldelli, rf

Johnson, 1b

Hernandez, c

Perez, lf

Sonnanstine, rhp

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays postseason ticket info

Tickets for Rays postseason tickets to the general public go on sale Wednesday online at raysbaseball.com at 9 a.m. But the fans who will get the first shot are those who have tried to take advantage of the Rays postseason ticket opportunity, which allows fans to register to win the opportunity to purchase tickets for the ALDS in a special on-line pre-sale, expires at 11:59 pm Sunday Sept 21. Those fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets on-line via a special link and password on Tuesday, Sept 23.

The remaining division series tickets for home games 1 and 2 at Tropicana Field will go on sale to the Wednesday at raysbaseball.com, and then the Rays regular season ticket outlets on Thursday, Sept 25 at 9 a.m, if available (Those outlets are Tropicana Field, the Rays Tampa office at 400 N Tampa St, International Plaza's main concierge desk, all Ticket master outlets and via ticketmaster phone charge (727) 898-RAYS and (813) 282-RAYS.

Should the Rays win the AL East championship, tickets to home game 3 will go on sale at that time.

Division series games, dates and times are to be determined.

2008 postseason ticket packages may be guaranteed by placing deposits, starting at $50, on 2009 season ticket plans, and are available at raysbaseball.com or by calling 727-342-5757.

Win and they're in

With the Yankees 1-0 win over the Orioles this afternoon, that means the Rays won't have to worry about the potential of backing into a playoff spot late tonight.

Simply, if the Rays win, they've clinched their first-ever postseason berth. But there was a chance that if the Rays lost today - and both the Yankees and White Sox (playing later tonight) lost - they could have clinched.

In another postseason-related note, the Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays, 6-3 today, meaning - with a win - the Rays could extend their AL East lead to 2 1/2 games (with nine to play).

Rays readying for possible party

Update 6:09 pm: CF B.J. Upton, who missed 10 games with strained left quadriceps, made his return Saturday in the fifth inning as a pinch-hitter. Batting with the bases loaded and one out, Upton grounded into an inning-ending double play.

But Upton took the field in the next inning, back in his usual spot in centerfield. Manager Joe Maddon has said he expects Upton to return to the starting lineup Sunday.

Buzz is already building at Tropicana Field, with fans lined up as the gates opened.

CF B.J. Upton is still not back in the lineup, though he is expected to be available to pinch-hit.

The Tampa Bay chapter of the BBWAA will present its annual awards before the game - the Paul C. Smith Champion Award, the Outstanding Rookie and the MVP.

LHP Scott Kazmir, who made the bold statements on the first day of spring training that the Rays were good enough to be in the playoffs, will be on the mound today.


The Rays lineup:

Iwamura, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, dh
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
HInske, lf
Perez, cf
Kazmir, p

Rays will get first chance Saturday to clinch playoff berth

If the Rays want to clinch their first-ever playoff berth, they can do it with a win Saturday in front of a national TV audience.

With the Yankees beating the Orioles 3-2 Friday, that made it certain the Rays wouldn't have to wait late tonight for the seemingly unlikely scenario of the White Sox, Blue Jays and New York losing in the same night.

So, with the Rays beating the Twins 11-1 Friday night, LHP Scott Kazmir will get the chance Saturday afternoon to help seal the deal on a historic turnaround.

A few thousand tickets are still left for the game.

Rays-Twins, Part II; complicated clinching

The Rays will try to move one step closer - and potentially clinch- their first-ever playoff berth with a win tonight (and considerable help from other teams).

Here's how Tampa Bay clinches -- the Rays have to win tonight, and also have the White Sox lose (to Kansas City), Blue Jays lose (at home to Boston) and the Yankees lose (at home to Baltimore).

*Before the game, the Rays announced that OF Fernando Perez was their minor league player of the year, and LHP David Price was their minor league pitcher of the year. Both, of course, are September call-ups who have already had a big impact on the team's postseason push.

*CF B.J. Upton ran the bases during pre-game and said he felt no pain, and there's a chance he could return to the starting lineup as early as Saturday, but most likely Sunday.

*Closer Troy Percival felt good one day after his first outing in over a week, and manager Joe Maddon said he still hadn't decided if the 39-year-old veteran was ready to go on back-to-back days.

*Several more Rays walked into the clubhouse sporting mohawks - including Price, Jonny Gomes and Willy Aybar.

RAYS

Iwamura, 2B
Bartlett, SS
Pena, 1B
Longoria, 3B
Floyd, DH
Navarro, C
Gross, RF
Hinske, LF
Perez, CF

TWINS

Span, RF
Casilla, 2B
Mauer, C
Morneau, 1B
Kubel, DH
Young, LF
Tolbert, 3B
Punto, SS
Gomez, CF
Blackburn, RHP

Rays ready for Twins

With a playoffs berth in their sights, the Rays are getting ready to take on the Twins.

At least a half dozen players are on the field for extra early batting practice, including Evan Longoria.

Against Twins lefty Glen Perkins, the Rays are using a mostly right-handed lineup:

Update 7 p.m CF B.J. Upton took some batting practice and said he's ready to pinch-hit, if needed, with manager Joe Maddon saying Upton could return to the lineup as early as Saturday or Sunday.

*Closer Troy Percival said he felt great Thursday, two days after his first epidural injection into his lower back. Maddon said he'd like to get Percival some work tonight, if the situation came up, but RHP Dan Wheeler would likely be used in a save situation.

*Maddon said LF Carl Crawford probably won't be used as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement for the rest of the regular season, but could be used in that role for a potential first round of the playoffs.

Ex-Ray Delmon Young just took his first at-bat at the Trop since the offseason trade, and heard a smatter of boos.

Iwamura, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Baldelli, dh
Navarro, c
Zobrist, lf
Gross, rf
Perez, cf
Shields, p

TWINS
Span, rf
Casilla, 2b
Mauer, c
Morneau, 1b
Kubel, dh
Young, lf
Tolbert, 3b
Punto, ss
Gomez, cf
Perkins, p

 

Rays ready for Sox finale; Percival unavailable

The Rays and Red Sox are readying for their final game of the showdown series and the regular season, though with the possibility they could meet again in the second round of the playoffs.

The Rays can expand their AL East lead to two games with another win tonight, the Red Sox can pull back into a tie. The Rays can also take another step with a win toward securing a playoff spot, with the possibility of clinching as soon as Friday with a couple victrories over the Twins.

*The Rays will be without the services of closer Troy Percival, who underwent the first of three scheduled epidural injections into his lower back Tuesday. Percival will have to have back surgery after this season, but is confident the treatment will have him ready to go "full throttle" by Thursday's game.

The schedule for the injections is a six-day interval in between, which is why he's unavailable tonight, but is planning to play catch Thursday in hopes to be available for five straight days before another injection.  Depending on how he responds, the club will then decide if he needs a third.

Said Percival: "Anything to finish this out and get back to where I was at earlier in the year."

Facing Boston's knuckleballing nemesis Tim Wakefield tonight, manager Joe Maddon has tinkered with his lineup, using switch-hitter Willy Aybar as the DH and starting Justin Ruggiano in leftfield. Maddon said DH Cliff Floyd, who was hit in the right shin with a pitch Tuesday, is fine and ready, but they just wanted to go with matchups (Floyd is 1-11 vs Wakefield and Rocco Baldelli is 3-for-26).

Also of pre-game interest, Willy Aybar and Dan Johnson are both getting some work in the outfield with coach George Hendrick, which creates some interesting thoughts about the potential postseason roster.

On the Red Sox side, Mike Lowell - bothered by a nagging hip injury - is out of the lineup and is day-to-day. Lowell said he won't leave the team, but the club sent an MRI to a few specialists to figure out the problem.

The full lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Aybar, dh
Navarro, c
Ruggiano, lf
Gross, rf
Perez, cf
Garza, p

RED SOX

Ellsbury, lf
Pedroia, 2b
Ortiz, dh
Youkilis, 3b
Kotsay, rf
Lowrie, SS
Casey, 1b
Crisp, cf
Cash, cf
Wakefield, p

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays try again against Red Sox

The Rays are sending out the same lineup tonight as they try to reclaim sole posession of first place from the Red Sox, with the tough assignment of facing ace Josh Beckett. The game - once again - is not sold out.

*CF B.J. Upton (strained left quadriceps) took some swings again today, one day after running on the Tropicana Field turf. Upton said he's "definitely" not ready to be back out in the field, and doesn't know when he'll return to the lineup.

Upton mentioned possibly pinch-hitting, but manager Joe Maddon said he still isn't sure when and if that would happen.

*Speaking of Maddon, he sported a new mohawk of his own today, joining about a half a dozen Rays with the same haircut. Maddon had it cut last night in the name of "unity."

Backup C Shawn Riggans returned after spending several days in the hospital following a surgery to clean up an infected bursa sac. Riggans didn't know if he'd be able to return at all this season, saying that he was merely glad doctors caught the infection when they did, as "it could  have been a lot worse."

*On the Red Sox side, J.D. Drew has returned but will not play. And Jason Bay, who has been a Rays killer as of late, left the team this afternoon to be with his pregnant wife, whom he expected to soon go into labor.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, dh
Navarro, c
Hinske, lf
Gross, rf
Perez, cf
Sonnanstine, p

RED SOX
Ellsbury, lf
Pedroia, 2b
Ortiz, dh
Youkilis, 1b
Lowell, 3b
Kotsay, rf
Lowrie, ss
Varitek, c
Crisp, cf
Beckett, p

Rays, Red Sox ready to roll

The Rays and Red Sox are preparing for the opener of the big three-game series at the Trop, with first place in the balance.

CF B.J. Upton (strained left quad) remains sidelined for the Rays, so rookie Fernando Perez is again in centerfield, and playing his first game at the Trop.

Otherwise, the lineups are pretty much as expected.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, dh
Navarro, c
Hinske, lf
Gross, rf
Perez, cf
Kazmir, p

SOX
Crisp, cf
Pedroia, 2b
Ortiz, dh
Youkilis, 1b
Lowell, 3b
Bay, lf
Lowrie, ss
Varitek, c
Ellsbury, rf
Matsuzaka, p

Rays ready for Yankees - again

After an impressive 7-1 win in the opening game, the Rays are resting up before Saturday's nightcap. The two "ironmen" of the day are Fernando Perez, who is starting both games in centerfield, and Ben Zobrist, who played the opener at second and the night game at shortstop.

The opener couldn't have gone better pitching-wise, as the strong eight innings from James Shields allowed the Rays to have their full bullpen available for the night game. It will be interesting to see how long they leave Matt Garza in the game, since there is a possibility they will bring him back on short rest to pitch Wednesday against Boston.

Also, 3B Evan Longoria came through his first game since Aug. 7, when his right wrist was fractured by a pitch, with no problems, getting two hits and making a big play. He was scheduled to have the night game off - though could be used to pinch-hit or play defense, and expects to be back in the lineup on Sunday.

Carlos Pena gets the night off for the Rays. Alex Rodriguez, who missed the first game with a stiff neck, is the DH tonight for the Yankees.

Here are the lineups:

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Zobrist, ss
Johnson, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Perez, cf
Garza, p

YANKEES
Gardner, cf
Jeter, ss
Abreu, rf
A. Rodriguez, dh
Nady, lf
Cano, 2b
Betemit, 1b
I. Rodriguez, c
Ransom, 3b
Ponson, p

Price here, lineup different

UPDATE, 12:54: A good development for the Rays - Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez was scratched from the lineup for what they said was a stiff neck.

Their lineup is now below.

- - - -

LHP David Price is here and ready to pitch, and said he sees no issues in working out of the bullpen: "I don't think it will be any different."
As for the lineup for the first game today, well, it is different. Michel Hernandez is making his first start, and manager Joe Maddon stacked the lineup with righthanders against Mike Mussina.

Bartlett, ss
Zobrist, 2b
Pena, 1b
Baldelli, dh
Longoria, 3b
Gomes, lf
Perez, cf
Hernandez, c
Ruggiano, lf
Shields, p

YANKEES
Damon, cf
Jeter, ss
Abreu, rf
Nady, lf
Giambi, 1b
Matsui, dh
Ransom, 3b
Cano, 2b
Molina, c
Mussina, p

Rainy afternoon ...

It's raining in New York this afternoon, and the weather radar doesn't look promising.

The Yankees obviously want to get the game in since every ticket is sold for the final 10 games at Yankee Stadium, so it could be a long night. Or a long day Saturday if there were to be a split doubleheader instead. Or both if they wait a long time to call Friday's game, and then have to play two on Saturday.

Riggans surgery, rotation changed, game tonight

Backup C Shawn Riggans is having surgery on his right knee in St. Petersburg today and will be sidelined at least two weeks. Riggans has an infection in the bursa sac; just called up Michel Hernandez is likely to be the primary backup.

The Rays have also changed their pitching rotation, flip-flopping James Shields and Matt Garza in the order. That way, Garza will pitch Friday in New York and Shields will be moved back to Saturday. The idea is to give Shields an extra day's rest, to split up Graza and Edwin Jackson in the rotation and to have Shields available to pitch in the Sept. 23 doubleheader at Baltimore.

The result is that Shields won't pitch against Boston next week at the Trop, and Garza won't face his former Twins teammates.

Also 3B Evan Longoria is talking about taking a full batting practice Friday and said it was "possible" he could be in the lineup that night. He said his previously fractured right wrist felt "great" after taking 30 swings at balls thrown by trainer Ron Porterfield.

Tonight's lineups, as the Rays, after Tuesday's emotional win, seek to win a series in Fenway Park for the first time since 1999:

RAYS
Iwamura, 2B
Johnson, LF
Pena, 1B
Floyd, DH
Aybar, 3B
Hinske, RF
Navarro, C
Gross, CF
Bartlett, SS
Sonnanstine, P

RED SOX
Ellsbury, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Ortiz, DH
Youkilis, 1B
Bay, LF
Lowell, 3B
Kotsay, RF
Lowrie, SS
Varitek, C
Beckett, SP

Johnson NOT in left, Ortiz not playing

UPDATE: Actually Dan Johnson isn't in leftfield. Due to travel delays, he didn't arrive at the stadium until around 6:50 so the Rays had to change the lineup, with Ben Zobrist going to centerfield, Eric Hinske to left and Gabe Gross to right.

As for the medical report, it sounds like backup C Shawn Riggans' right knee problem could be serious, due to a possible infection in the bursa sac, and manager Joe Maddon said he absence is "indefinite.'' CF B.J. Upton said his slightly strained left quad felt much better today, and there was a chance he could be available to pinch-hit on Wednesday, though Maddon said it was "possible" Upton's absence from the lineup could extend into the weekend in New York. 3B Evan Longoria was to continue his progression in recovering from a fractured right wrist by hitting flipped balls, but Maddon said he had no update.

- - - -

Dan Johnson will make his first ever major league outfield start tonight in leftfield for the Rays.

Johnson, a left-handed hitter,  was called up to boost the Rays sagging and shorthanded lineup, with righthanders starting the next two games. Jonny Gomes likely will be called up soon as well.

DH David Ortiz is not in the Red Sox lineup tonight against Scott Kazmir. Ortiz is 7-for-37 against Kazmir with a homer.

The Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Johnson, lf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, rf
Navarro, c
Gross, cf
Bartlett, ss
Kazmir, p

Red Sox
Crisp, cf
Lowrie, ss
Pedroia, 2b
Youkilis, 1b
Bay, lf
Lowell, 3b
Kotsay, rf
Varitek, c
Bailey, dh
Matsuzaka, p

Rays-Sox live from Fenway

UPDATE, 6:30  Cliff Floyd said the 20-or-so minute team meeting - actually he preferred to call it a "get-together" - went very well. "It was needed,'' he said. "It was basically to end the season on a good note - that was it - with nothing in the tank. Just to make sure we're all on the same page. It was great. Something that was definitely needed. It had nothing that had to do with us losing any games. ...

"I'm not saying you're going to see anything different, I'm just saying it was good for our team to have a little sitdown and a little conversation from a family standpoint, and we achieved that.''

Floyd said several players spoke, and  'it was awesome. We all had good laughs, and we all understood what's at-stake. Not that we didn't know, but we solidified some things.''

Specifically, Floyd said: "We've got to beat the odds and the beat the adversity and if we do that there'll be some bottles popping pretty soon here.''

UPDATE, 6:25: 3B Evan Longoria's fractured right wrist has improved enough that he might be available to pinch-hit tonight, Maddon said. Longoria said he hit flipped balls today and plans to continue to progress, though may not participate in a full pre-game batting practice until Friday in New York. After that he would like to take a "live" BP session against one of the Rays pitchers to face game-speed pitching and could then return to the lineup until Saturday or Sunday.

But he said all feels well, and said "if it comes down to it'' he would be available to pinch hit tonight.

UPDATE: Manager Joe Maddon said Salas has had these seizures before and "should be fine by tomorrow."

UPDATE: Reliever. Juan Salas had an epileptic seizure when he got to the stadium and is at a Boston area hospital.

UPDATE: Rays are having a players-only meeting before coming out for batting practice. The subject? Most likely that they need to focus on what's ahead and what they have to play for and not what has happened.

The Rays are getting ready to open their big series with Boston, with a few players already out for some running and the Sox getting ready for batting practice.

Manager Joe Maddon decided to stick with speedy OF Fernando Perez, playing him in leftfield tonight, but dropping Ben Zobrist and using lefty Gabe Gross in right against Boston lefty Jon Lester.

Here is the Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Baldelli, dh
Aybar, 3b
Navarro, c
Bartlett, ss
Gross, rf
Perez, lf
Jackson, p

And for the Red Sox:
Kotsay, rf
Pedroia, 2b
Ortiz, dh
Youkilis, 1b
Bay, lf
Lowell, 3b
Lowrie, ss
Varitek, c
Crisp, cf
Lester, p

Rays vs. Jays, the finale

The Rays try to salvage one game of the series in Toronto today, and maintain their AL East lead heading into the big three-game series in Boston on Monday.

Manager Joe Maddon decided against giving 2B Akinori Iwamura the day off after seeing him look "frisky" on Saturday, but is trying something different against Jays lefty David Purcey, giving Fernando Perez his first major-league start in rigthfield, essentially ahead of Justin Ruggiano.

Maddon has been impressed by Perez's speed and said he heard the switch-hitter is impressive from the right side, so he wanted to give it a look.

Maddon also reiterated - again (to be intentionally redundant given the number of e-mails and blog posts) that Troy Percvial will remain the closer and that his arm is fine.

Also, 3B Evan Longoria took swings at a ball on a tee and felt fine, but won't hit tossed balls until Monday and may not take batting practice until Tuesday. He is targeting Friday for his return to the lineup; Maddon said there is no set timetable.

Today's lineups:
RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Baldelli, dh
Aybar, 3b
Bartlett, ss
Perez, rf
Riggans, c
Zobrist, lf
Garza, p

JAYS
Inglett, 2b
Scutaro, ss
Rios, DH
Wells, cf
Lind, lf
Overbay, 1b
Barajas, c
Rolen, 3b
Snider, rf
Purcey, p

Longoria returns (sort of) as Rays face Jays

UPDATE, 12:45

: The Rays went ahead and reinstated Longoria from the DL just prior to Saturday's game, though he will be limited to playing defense and pinch-running.

- - - - 


Saturday was a big day for 3B Evan Longoria.

First, he joined the Gator Nation and was proudly declaring his college football allegiance for UF.

Secondly, he swung an actual, full-size major-league quality bat with no problems from his fractured right wrist.

Longoria said it felt as good as it ever has, and he is eager for the next step in his recovery, which will be hitting balls off a tee on Sunday, and maybe some tossed balls.

If that goes well, he could take his first live batting practice on Monday in Boston, which will be the key test. If he has no problems then, he likely will have to do it again the next day, and could return to the lineup on Wednesday in Boston or Friday in New York.

Longoria also made a pitch to be activated sooner, saying he could be available for late inning defense or pinch-running.

The Rays go after the Jays today without SS Jason Bartlett, who is getting a day off. 2B Akinori Iwamura may get the Sunday off as manager Joe Maddon looks to rest his middle infielders before the final stretch.

Saturday's lineups:

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Zobrist, ss
Shields, p

JAYS
Inglett, 2b
Scutaro, ss
Rios, cf
Wells, dh
Lind, lf
Overbay, 1b
Rolen, 3b
Zaun, c
Snider, rf
Marcum, p

Rays at Jays

UPDATE, 5:50: A couple interesting tidbits from manager Joe Maddon's pre-game media session - Saturday is a big day for 3B Evan Longoria, who will trying swinging a bat after resting his fractured rigth wrist for four days and getting a good report from the doctor, and Rocco Baldelli is likely to be limited to DH duties as the Rays have enough extra outfielders that Maddon sees no need to push him.

Also, RHP Jason Hammel said he was obviously frustrated with his performance on Thursday, when he allowed the Yankees to whittle a 7-0 lead to 7-5, and "can't wait" to get back on the mound again.


- - - -

A tough night ahead for the Rays, who didn't get to their Toronto hotel until around 4 a.m. this morning, and have to face Jays ace Roy Halladay tonight. Rays starter Andy Sonnanstine makes his third try to match the team record of 14 wins in a season.

The lineup, which is the current standard, is below. One player not in it is Jonny Gomes, of course, since he was sent back to Triple-A Durham a few weeks ago.

Gomes, though, was at Atlanta airport this morning - the Bulls had to connect there on the way from Louisville back to Durham for game 3 of the IL playoffs - and came over to say hello when he saw a familiar face about to board a flight to Toronto, raising the question, at least momentarily, if he was coming back.

The lineup looks somewhat standard:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Bartlett, ss
Sonnanstine, p

Rays try to avoid sweep vs Yankees

With their AL East lead shrunk to three, the Rays host the Yankees in hopes of avoiding a sweep before they head on a tough nine-game road trip.

All-Star left-hander Scott Kazmir will try to be the stopper and, even though he's struggled at times this season, the Rays are 16-6 when he starts (and he has a 1.18 ERA against the Yankees at the Trop).

The Rays lineup looks mostly the same, with Cliff Floyd in the cleanup spot and C Dioner Navarro starting behind the plate for a second straight day.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Floyd, dh

Aybar, 3b

Hinske, lf

Navarro, c

Gross, rf

Bartlett, ss

Kazmir, LHP

YANKEES
Damon, cf

Jeter, ss

Abreu, rf

Rodriguez, 3b

Nady, lf

Giambi, dh

Ransom, 1b

Cano, 2b

P. Rodriguez, c

Rasner, RHP

Rays make history with instant replay

The Rays became part of history Wednesday, albeit in a 8-4 loss, when instant replay was used for the first time ever by Major League Baseball.

The play in question came in the ninth inning on an Alex Rodriguez two-out, two-run homer, which hit the D-ring catwalk in leftfield; it was called fair on the field and was supported through replay that it went directly over the foul pole.

Manager Joe Maddon asked for clarification on the call - made by third base umpire Brian Runge. Crew chief Charlie Reliford said the crew met together, agreeing unanimously that the ball was fair (that it soared directly over the foul poul), but decided to use the technology.

Whether they liked it not, most everyone involved said the umpires did a good job in double-checking, and were efficient (two minutes, 15 seconds).

Here's what they were saying:

Reliford: "A fair ball is fair when it leaves the playing field. That's why the foul poles are there to help us. We had it going right over the pole, all four of us had it going right over the pole on the field. And our views of the replays confirmed that. It was not inconclusive, it was conclusive that Brian's call was correct."

“Obviously, they got the call right,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “That’s the important thing. I’ve said that all along.”

"I thought it was clearly fair,' Rays closer Troy Percival said. "Then I saw the replay and I wasn't so sure."

"I couldn't tell. Our pole is not high enough there. I thought Charlie did a great job with it. I don't know if it was fair or foul."

Said Rodriguez: “There are probably 800 players in the big leagues. The odds of me being in some controversy is probably 2 to 1. It’s just funny.”

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays take aim at Yankees

The Rays look to rebound from Tuesday's disappointing loss, and stave off questions about their ability to handle the pressures of September tonight in game two of the series with the Yankees.

They do have C Dioner Navarro back in the lineup, after getting Tuesday off to rest his hamstrings and so that Shawn Riggans could catch Matt Garza.

Otherwise, the lineup looks as it normally does these days against a righthander, tonight Carl Pavano.

Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Bartlett, ss
Jackson, p

Rays ready for Yankees

With new additions OF Fernando Perez and C John Jaso on hand, and on the field for early batting practice, the Rays are preparing for the first of three games against the Yankes, and the opening of a rugged 19-game stretch against AL contenders that could determine their postseason fate. And closer Troy Percival has been activated off the DL.

The Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Bartlett, ss
Gross, rf
Riggans, c
Garza, p

Rays go for sweep; Navarro gets day off

The Rays will go for a sweep in a Sunday matinee against the Orioles, and will do so with backup C Shawn Riggans behind the plate.

Manager Joe Maddon said he wanted to give C Dioner Navarro a day off because the All-Star experienced some soreness following Saturday's game. On Saturday, in his first start in four days (due to sore hamstrings), Navarro went 1-for-4 with a double, and was also thrown out at the plate trying to score from second.

It appears likely that Navarro won't return behind the plate until Wednesday, as Riggans has become Matt Garza's personal catcher, of sorts, and Maddon said he was learning toward having Riggans catch the right-hander in Tuesday's series opener with the Yankees.

There's no word yet on September callups, but Maddon said the number of callups will be small, and come in "two waves." Maddon joked another "callup" will be closer Troy Percival, who will most likely be activated on Tuesday from the disabled list. With Navarro's latest hamstring issues, expect another catcher to get called up from Triple-A, with veteran Mike DiFelice a possibility.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Baldelli, dh

Aybar, 3b

Zobrist, lf

Bartlett, ss

Riggans, c

Ruggiano, rf

Shields, RHP

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Navarro back in lineup; so is Bartlett

The Rays will get two regulars back in the lineup today for a matinee against the Orioles, as C Dioner Navarro is starting after missing three games with sore hamstrings.

SS Jason Bartlett, who got the day off Friday, is back in the field. Ben Zobrist, coming off his first career grand slam, will get the start in left.

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Upton, Cf

Pena, 1b

Baldelli, dh

Aybar, 3b

Zobrist, lf

Navarro, c

Ruggiano, rf

Bartlett, ss

Bartlett gets day off, Navarro still out

Update 5:05 pm The Rays look to guarantee their first-ever winning record with their 82nd victory of the season tonight against the Orioles, and former teammate Aubrey Huff.

Not only is C Dioner Navarro again out of the lineup, but so is SS Jason Bartlett. Navarro, who has missed two straight games with sore hamstrings, felt a lot better today (taking batting practice and running the bases) and could be back in the lineup Saturday.

As for Bartlett, manager Joe Maddon said the shortstop isn't hurt, he just wanted to give him a day off this weekend, and would rather have it against the RHP Jeremy Guthrie than the two left-handers the Orioles will throw the next two days; Bartlett will be back in the lineup Saturday, when Orioles LHP Chris Waters will start in replace of RHP Daniel Cabrera. Maddon said he just wanted to be mindful of the right knee Bartlett sprained earlier this season, and with days off today and the team day off Monday, he should be good to go.

The lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Zobrist, ss
Gross, rf
Riggans, c
Kazmir, p

Navarro out of lineup, but available

Dioner Navarro is out of the lineup, but manager Joe Maddon said the All-Star catcher is available for late-inning duty (if necessary) and his status is day-to-day.

Navarro, who came out of Tuesday's game with cramps in both hamstrings, underwent an MRI Wednesday and everything was fine, Maddon said.

"We may even have to back off him tomorrow, I'm not sure yet, but he's available for duty if necessary," Maddon said.

*In other pre-game medical notes, 3B Evan Longoria (fractured right wrist) said he took some dry swings with a wiffle bat and everything went well. The Rays are still hoping for a return for the Yankees series next week, Sept 2-4 at the Trop

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Baldelli, dh

Aybar, 3b

Zobrist, lf

Riggans, c

Ruggiano, rf

Bartlett, ss

Garza, RHP

JAYS

Inglett, 2b

Scutaro, 3b

Rios, rf

Wells, cf

Lind, lf

Overbay, 1b

Stairs, dh

Barajas, c

McDonald, ss

Purcey, LHP

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays and Jays at the Trop

UPDATE. 9:33 There was something wrong with Navarro - according to the Rays, he left the game with "cramping in both hamstrings.''

UPDATE, 9:15: There may have been more to Shawn Riggans pinch-hitting for Dioner Navarro than just strategy. Navarro didn't look right running to first in his previous at-bat, and may have tweaked something.

UPDATE, 7: The lights problem appears resolved and the game is starting on time. Also, the Rays confirm that Beckham was promoted to Hudson Valley as Princeton's season ends Tuesday.

UPDATE, 6:20: The lights are coming back on, the Jays are still hitting.

UPDATE, 6:17: This is interesting - the lights just went out during the Jays' batting practice.

Also, there is a report on the Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Journal website that top draft pick SS Tim Beckham has been promoted from rookie-level Princeton (W. Va.) to short-season Class A Hudson Valley and will join the Renegades on Wednesday. Beckham hit .243 in 46 games with two homers and 14 RBIs.

- - -

Lots of pre-game chatter today, most significantly reaction to the announcement by MLB that instant replay would be implemented leagues-wide this week, with Friday the start date at the Trop.

Essentially it will be limited to deciding whether balls are home runs - if they went over the wall, were fair or foul and if they hit a catwalk. Manager Joe Maddon and several of the players said they were for it in this limited use, but didn't want to see it expanded.

Just got a look at the room where the umpires will huddle (left), which is in the grounds crew's space behind the visitors's dugout. There is a locked box that contains a dedicated phone line and a 19-inch flat screen monitor (Sharp Aquos, the official MLB brand of course), which is what the umps will use.

Injurywise, the Rays and 3B Evan Longoria are encouraged by his progress in recovery from a fractured right wrist, but Longoria said he won't start swinging a bat until there is no pain. He hopes to return for the Sept. 2-4 Yankees serries.

And RHP Troy Percival threw 20 or so pitches off the bullpen mound and looked good in doing so, with no problems from the cartilage issue in his right knee, which could mean he'll be back when eligible on Saturday, or shortly thereafter.

[James, Borchuck, Times photo]

As for tonight's lineups:

JAYS
Inglett, 2b
Scutaro, 3b
Rios, rf
Wells. cf
Lind, lf
Overbay, 1b
Stairs, dh
Barajas, c
McDonald, ss
Halladay, p

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Bartlett, ss
Shields, p

You make the call

Rays postgame host Todd Kalas called it 'the worst call that has gone against the Rays in their 11-year history.'

Manager Joe Maddon said, pointedly, 'they got the call wrong.'

Third-base umpire Ted Barrett explained that Rays third baseman Willy Aybar was in A.J. Pierzynski's way, preventing him from continuing to third base, and that's why the White Sox catcher was awarded third despite being tagged out by shortstop Jason Bartlett.

But what we want to know is what you think about Doug Eddings' controversial call that set the table for the Rays' 6-5 loss Sunday in Chicago. Watch the video, then leave us your thoughts in the 'Comments' area below.

(A.J. Pierzynski, right, talks to second base umpire Doug Eddings about interference by Rays third baseman Willy Aybar. AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Bartlett: Pierzynski yelled "obstruction"

The biggest - and most controversial - play of the Rays 6-5 loss to the White Sox had plenty of people talking in post-game.

Here's what happened: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski became the center of attention in the 10th, when, after getting caught in a rundown between second and third, he tripped, fell and was tagged by Rays SS Jason Bartlett. But second base umpire Doug Eddings ruled that Rays 3B Willy Aybar interfered with Pierzynski, allowing the colorful catcher to advance to third. Pierzynski later scored on Alexei Ramirez's bases-loaded single.

Aybar said he tried to get out of Pierzynski's way, and only made contact after Pierzynski stuck his arm out. Bartlett said he heard Pierzynski yell, "Obstruction!" after he fell, and Pierzynski admitted afterward that he was thinking about trying to get an interference call.

"That was the first thing I thought of, to get somebody to get close enough to where I could touch them. People go, 'How do you think of that, that fast? Well, if you’re not fast, you have to think of a lot of things to try to get you out of bad baserunning."

Eddings wasn't available for comment, but third base umpire Ted Barrett defended the decision:

"As a runner, you're allowed to (make contact). What Doug ruled at second base was, even though A.J. did kind of stick his arm out to make contact, Aybar was still in his way, so A.J., if he would have turned, he wouldn't have been able to continue on to third. So after making the throw, Aybar is no longer in the act of fielding and he can't obstruct the runner, which is what Doug ruled happened. And in a rundown, even though A.J. was going back to second, the rule of obstruction during a rundown is he gets his next advanced base and that's why he was rewarded third base."

"If Aybar's got the ball, there's no obstruction, You protect the fielder when he's in the act of fielding. Once that ball's released and out of his hand, he has to vacate."

According to Bartlett: "I looked up at the umpire thinking he's going to say something like, 'Are you kidding me?' And he's like, 'Yep, yep, yep.' Right there I lost it. I was like, what?" Those are the breaks, I guess."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Sonnanstine, Rays go for sweep

Rays righthander Andy Sonnanstine, who boasts a team-leading 13 wins, will try to tie the club-record for victories in a season today as the Rays try to sweep the White Sox.

Sonnanstine is one shy of Rolando Arrojo (who won 14 in 1998).

The Rays loaded their lineup with righthanded hitters as the White Sox start LHP Mark Buehrle; backup C Shawn Riggans will get another nod behind the plate, which will give Dioner Navarro back-to-back off-days before the team opens a nine-game homestand.

Tampa Bay (79-49), which boasts the best record in the majors, have not lost a series since the All-Star break (10-0-1).

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Baldelli, dh

Aybar, 3b

Zobrist, lf

Riggans, c

Gross, rf

Bartlett, ss

WHITE SOX

Cabrera, ss

Pierzynski, c

Quentin, lf

Dye, rf

Thome, dh

Ramirez, 2b

Griffey Jr, cf

Swisher, 1b

Uribe, 3b

Rays rally to beat White Sox

CHICAGO — Carlos Pena said there is a key phrase the Rays have often used throughout a special season filled with memorable comebacks.

"Keep coming. Keep coming."

These Rays never quit. No matter the circumstances, or the score, they keep scratching and clawing, feeling as though if they keep it close long enough, they'll eventually prevail.

White Sox starter Javier Vazquez found that out the hard way Saturday.

Read the full story.

Kazmir goes for No. 10 on national stage

In today's matinee with the White Sox, the Rays will be the featured game on FOX for the first time in more than five years.

They'll be led by All-Star lefthander Scott Kazmir, who goes for his 10th win; if he completes the feat, it will mark the first time in club history all five Rays starters cracked double digits in wins.

Kazmir, who lasted six innings in his last start (also a win), has said he's not going to worry about pitch counts and such, and just try to keep it simple and attack hitters, like he did when he was the AL Pitcher of the Month in May.

The Rays stocked some more lefties in the lineup today, as the Sox starter RHP Javier Vazquez. Ex-Ray Toby Hall will also get a start for the Sox.

If Tampa Bay wins, it could make for some more milestones:

*A win would give the Rays their first series win over the White Sox since 1998, their inaugural season.

*Manager Joe Maddon would earn his 206th career victory as Rays skipper, giving him the club record (Larry Rothschild has 205)

*The Rays  would then be a franchise-record 30 games over .500

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Floyd, dh

Aybar, 3b

Hinske, lf

Navarro, c

Gross, Rf

Bartlett, ss

SOX

Cabrera, ss

Swisher, cf

Quentin, lf

Dye, rf

Thome, dh

Konerko, 1b

Ramirez, 2b

Uribe, 3b

Hall, c

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Baldelli gets the start

The Rays begin a three-game series against another first-place team - the White Sox - here at U.S. Cellular Field.

And with the Sox sending lefthander John Danks to the mound, the Rays are loading up on righthanded hitters (or switch-hitters).

Rocco Baldelli will start at DH, getting his first at-bats in about a week.

RAYS

Iwamura 2B
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Baldelli DH
Aybar 3B
Zobrist LF
Navarro C
Gross RF
Bartlett SS
Jackson P

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays go for the sweep

Rays fans shows their disappointment after the Angels score the game winning run in the top of the ninth inning against the Rays on Wednesday night at Tropicana field. Angels 5-4 over the Rays.  [Willie J. Allen, Times]

The Rays, coming off another dramatic, come-from-behind win, will try to sweep the Angels tonight at the Trop, with an ESPN2 audience.

The only lineup switch is that backup C Shawn Riggans will get the start, likely giving Dioner Navarro a day off.

Rays righthander Matt Garza gets the start, with his counterpart RHP Jered Weaver.

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Floyd, dh

Aybar, 3b

Hinske, lf

Gross, rf

Riggans, c

Bartlett, SS

Garza, RHP

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays playing Monday, and Tuesday

UPDATE, 7:23: The Rays say they are planning to play Tuesday's game as scheduled but could reverse that decision if weather conditions change.

"We will continue to monitor the storm and its progress,'' team president Matt Silverman said at around 7 p.m. "We will continue to consult with government agencies as well as the Angels and the league. If the storm continues its current track and the road conditions are safe we will play the game as currently planned.''

If plans change, the Rays would hope to make a decison by early Tuesday afternoon, Silverman said. If the game were to be canceled, there likely would be a doubleheader on Wednesday.

"At this point we expect (Tuesday's) game to be played unless the weather changes dramatically,'' Silverman said.

The Rays "take the lead" in the decision, Silverman said, but will be in consultation with government agencies and MLB officials.

"The safety of our players and of our fans comes first, and that's obviously one of the biggest factors,'' he said. "But it's a decision that we do consult with other bodies to make sure it works for all.''

UPDATE, 6:15 Rays officials are extending the time frame to make a decision on what to do about Tuesday's game, which could be an indication they are leaning toward trying to play. Team president Matt Silverman is expected to make an announcement around 6:45 or 7.

With reports indicating there may be less of a threat from Tropical Storm Fay, it would make sense for the Rays to say they are planning to play the game, and they could always amend the decision Tuesday morning if necessary.

If they don't play, the options are not necessarily attractive. They could play a doubleheader on Wednesday, which would tax their bullpen and already depleted lineup. Or they could play the game after the end of the regular season, if necessary, which would not be appealing. Both teams are off Sept. 1, but it would be a violation of union rules because the Angels would have to play 31 days in a row.

Rays officials haven't announced a decision yet about Tuesday's game, but they are preparing for Monday night's game - though they are allowed to report later than usual.

The Rays are using what is basically their current regular lineup, with Akinori Iwamura back at second base:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Bartlett, ss
Sonnanstine, p

"At this point we expect (Tuesday's) game to be played unless the weather changes dramatically,'' Silverman said.

The Rays "take the lead" in the decision, Silverman said, but will be in consultation with government agencies and MLB officials.

"The safety of our players and of our fans comes first, and that's obviously one of the biggest factors,'' he said. "But it's a decision that we do consult with other bodies to make sure it works for all.''

Tuesday's game "in doubt"

The Rays don't know any more about Tropical Storm Fay's path than anyone else, but they are operating under the presumption that Monday's game with the Angels will be played and Tuesday's game may not be, with the hope of resuming the series on Wednesday.

"We're playing the game on Monday,'' Rays president Matt SIlverman said. "If the storm maintains its current path Tuesday would be in doubt and then we'll make a call on Wednesday based on Tuesday. We're in communication with the league and with the Angels about it, and we're hopeful we're going to get the series in. Two out of three is the most likely case but with the unpredictability of the storms it's pretty much a wait-and-see game.''

A decision on Tuesday's game likely will be made Monday night, he said.

Silverman said there is a chance, albeit unlikely, of playing a doubleheader on Wednesday (which would be the second in Tropicana Field history). More likely, the Angels would return on Sept. 1, which is a mutual off-day for both teams. "We know there's a time we can make up the game, or games.''

The Angels traveled to the Tampa Bay area on Sunday night, though Silverman said there was "a possibility" they could leave the area after Monday's game and go to Atlanta or Miami and wait to see what happens - "it all depends on the path of the storms.''
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Upton up top

UPDATE, 7:07 RHP Troy Percival said his sprained right knee felt considerably better on Sunday, enough that he was able to play catch with only some pain, and he might not have arthroscopic surgery that was tentatively scheduled for Monday morning in St. Petersburg. Percival said he would see the Rangers doctor later Sunday and the decision could be made then. He said he received a cortisone shot on Friday and has been taking anti-inflammatories and the progess has been significant.


CF B.J. Upton didn't just return to the Rays lineup on Sunday, he's at the top as 2B Akinori Iwamura is getting the day off.

Manager Joe Maddon wanted to rest Iwamura, but had to make sure SS Jason Bartlett, who jammed his right knee on Saturday, was able to play. He is in the lineup, and Ben Zobrist is starting at second. Dioner Navarro is back behind the plate after getting back-to-back days off.

Otherwise, the lineup is as expected against Rangers RHP Dustin Nippert as the Rays finish their season-long 10-game road trip, then fly late night and face the Angels on Monday.

The lineup:
Upton, cf
Zobrist, 2b
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, 3b
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Bartlett, ss
Kazmir, p

(Pictured - Jason Bartlett breaks up a double-play attempt against the Rangers on Saturday, tweaking his knee in the process. AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Bartlett's back; Percival's out 2-4 weeks

UPDATE, 7:10: It's still not clear exactly what's wrong with closer Troy Percival's right knee, but exec VP Andrew Friedman said he is expected to be out 2-4 weeks.

Friedman said there is "cartilage involvement" that is "not a tear,'' and that a decision will be made, probably not until Monday, on whether Percvial should have surgery, or go through rehab and get a cortisone shot. The decision will be made after the Rays doctor, Koco Eaton, confers with the Rangers doctor, Keith Meister, who did Friday's exam and MRI. Either way, Friedman said it will be a 2-4 week absence, which could sideline Percival into mid-September.

Juan Salas, fittingly, was late showing up on Friday, though due to a flight delay. He was to arrive at the stadium by gametime.

UPDATE, 6:38: Percival says he might need arthroscopic surgery to repair the cartilage problem, but in the worst case scenario would still be out only about three weeks, which would put him back in the bullpen for most of the September run. He said there is also a chance he could get a shot to manage the pain and not need to have it repaired.

Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman is expected to provide a more detailed update later today.

Also, manager Joe Maddon was rather emphatic that Grant Balfour will NOT just assume the closer's job, and that the Rays will use several relievers to finish games, including Balfour, Dan Wheeler, J.P. Howell and Chad Bradford.

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With RHP Troy Percival on the DL and RHP Juan Salas joining the bullpen, the Rays will try to guarantee a winning roadtrip tonight with the first of three games against the Rangers, who hit well and pitch poorly.

Jason Bartlett is back in the Rays starting lineup for the first time since Aug. 3, when he was hit by a pitch and sustained a bruised right index finger. As a result, Ben Zobrist is off.

So is C Dioner Navarro, who went 3-for-12 on the Oakland series and saw his average drop below .300 (.299) for the first time this season. Shawn Riggans is catching.

Also, major-league RBI leader Josh Hamilton did return to the Rangers after missing Thursday's game to be with his wife for the birth of their daughter, and is in the lineup.

The lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, dh
Aybar, 3b
Hinske, lf
Gross, rf
Riggans, c
Bartlett, ss
Garza, p

Pena's homer lifts Rays to extra-inning win

Reliever Brad Ziegler's record scoreless streak was ended by B.J. Upton,  and Carlos Pena homered leading off the 12th to give the Tampa Bay Rays a 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday.

Ziegler started his career by not allowing a run in 39 consecutive shutout innings — including the eighth Thursday — to tie a 59-year-old major league record. Upton hit an RBI double to give the Rays a 5-4 lead in the ninth.

Pena hit his 23rd homer of the season off Santiago Casilla and Dioner Navarro added an RBI-single as Tampa Bay moved to 26 games over .500 for the first time in franchise history.

-- Associated Press

(Pictured: Carlos Pena. AP photo. Click to enlarge.)