220 replies to this topic

[drtooth]

A couple of notes to start the year.

Matt Moore is battling a lower abdominal strain, though it's not thought to be serious.

File this under "Not the best way to win a roster spot". BP candidate Matt Bush drilled Evan Longoria on the right hand with a pitch during a intrasquad game. Longoria will get precautionary x-rays but it is also not thought to be serious.

[drtooth]

Longoria is day to day with a bruised right hand.

[drtooth]

Looks like Longoria will play Monday

[drtooth]

Per TB Times Twitter feed, Matt Moore will throw a BP session today.

Longoria's hand is better, but still swollen. Looking more like a Tuesday return.

Edited by drtooth, 03 March 2012 - 09:13 AM.

[drtooth]

Per TB Times' Marc Topkin Twitter Feed

#Rays Longoria says he will take it easy with his bruised hand, took dry swings today: "It's slowly going in the right direction.''

[drtooth]

Odd injury department
http://www.tampabay....imself-too-hard

If nothing else, David Price may be the winner for the oddest injury of the spring.
Price said the reason he had the neck spasm that forced him to leave the game was that he toweled himself off too vigorously between innings.
"I was just drying my head off in between innings,'' he said. "It's happened to me two times before. The towel just catches the back of my head and it pulls my neck forward. I just felt it a little bit in back of my neck and just wanted to be cautious with it. ... It's spasms, there's a little pop and it just spasms up and gets a little tight.''
Price said he should okay in two-three days and doesn't expect it to impact his next start.
He was scheduled for three innings today.
He had similar issues last spring, and in September last season and pitched through it.
"I'll get a good night's sleep tonight and I should be all right tomorrow,'' he said. "I pull it over my head and I pull it forward and I guess it just catches like the back of my head. I don't know.''

http://www.tampabay....ngoria-progress

Other updates

Here are a couple of updates:
* Rays 3B Evan Longoria took swings at flipped balls in the batting tunnels, and stepped into the cage against live pitching just to track balls. If his bruised right hand tolerated the flips well, he will be cleared for the first of two on-field batting practice sessions on Friday.
* OF Sam Fuld said his wrist felt find in his batting practice session and said he was set to make his exhibition debut Friday: "Ready, able, of avail.''
* DH Luke Scott was tentative in the cage and said while his surgically repaired right shoulder felt "good,'' he was "definitely not ready" for game action due to his mechanics, specifically with his front hip.
* LHP Matt Moore looked sharp and healthy in his throwing session, with no limitations from the mild abdominal strain that kept him off the mound for eight days.

[jnlevetoncnmt]

If Ben Cherington comes back for another chat somebody needs to ask him if the organization would mind doing some kind of free towel give away for the first 30,000 fans the next time the Rays are in town. Perhaps Dr. Charles Steinberg could organize this as a Fenway promotion the whole family could enjoy.

[drtooth]

James Shields has been named the Opening Day starter (April 6 vs NYY).

[drtooth]

Nearly a disastrous day for the Rays

http://www.tampabay....scary-collision

Rays CF B.J. Upton said his lower back was a little sore but otherwise he was okay after a scary collision with LF Desmond Jennings in today's exhibition, and expects to miss only a couple days.
"Definitely going to be sore, but other than that shouldn't have any issues,'' Upton said. "I don't think it'll be anything that's going to put me out for a while.''
Jennings said he was fine and could play Thursday. "It just kind of scared me more than hurt,'' he said.
The two were running full out toward a ball hit by Miami's Austin Kearns; both called it, neither heard the other, and they collided.
"Luckily we saw each other and were able to brace for the hit,'' Upton said. "If not, I think we hit face to face.''
Upton said they don't know where they actually hit.
Asked if he now knew why Jennings had been a Div. I college football recruit, Upton said he did, "but I think I held my own in the collision.''

[soxhop411]

https://twitter.com/#!/TBTimes_Rays


Today is the day for manager Joe Maddon and about 25 Rays players to have their heads shaved, an event to benefit pediatric cancer

[soxhop411]

]TBTimes_Rays

#Rays now saying 71 overall (players, coaches, staff, execs) had their heads shaved

Edited by soxhop411, 15 March 2012 - 12:33 PM.

[soxhop411]

RT @RMooneyTrib Bush charged with fleeing scene with serious injuries, DUI with serious injuries, DUI with property damage.


http://www.cbssports...l-pick-arrested

Drew Silva ‏ @drewsilv

More details on the Matt Bush arrest: hit and run on 72-year-old motorcyclist. "Literally the tire on the SUV ran over the driver's head."

Not a smart move by Matt Bush..

Edited by soxhop411, 22 March 2012 - 10:52 PM.

[drtooth]

Matt Bush's bond set at $1.015M

http://www.tampabay....goes-out-victim

Saying Tampa Bay Rays RHP Matt Bush is a "danger to the community" and a "flight risk," Charlotte County circuit judge Nicholas Thompson set the reliever's bond for $1.015 million combined for the seven charges in Saturday hearing.
Bush's court date is scheduled for May 21.
Bush, arrested Thursday on charges of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious bodily injury, appeared on close circuit TV, somber as Thompson addressed him. Bush's attorney Russell Kirshy argued for a much smaller bond, saying the 26-year-old is indigent, with a $78,000 minor league salary and just $2,000 in the bank. Kirshy told the judge the Rays had discussed potentially setting Bush up in a rehab facility in the Tampa Bay area, so he can get better.
With Kirshy expecting Bush not posting bond, he'll likely be in jail for a while.
"He understands his career is probably in jeopardy," Kirshy told the court. "And his life is probably in jeopardy."

[Rudy Pemberton]

$3m bonus and down to $2k in the bank? The idea that the Rays are going to set him up with rehab; he will be released in days and in prison soon after.

[24JoshuaPoint]

Yea the mention of rehab being setup by the Rays is ridiculous. I vaguely recall hearing about this guy the last time he was arrested but soon forgot. Crazy back story of madness.

[CJM]

Jeff Passan has an in-depth, empathetic article on Bush's rise, fall, rise, and current fall. One of those stories that has nothing but sad angles.

[drtooth]

Jeff Niemann will be in the rotation and Wade Davis will start the season in the pen.

http://www.tampabay....n-davis-bullpen

[drtooth]

Matt Bush moved to restricted list to open up a spot on the 40 man roster

[drtooth]

Sam Fuld will have surgery on his right wrist and is expected to miss 4-5 months.

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/

[drtooth]

It appears Kyle Farnsworth may be heading to the DL. He is experiencing elbow soreness. He had a similar issue in Sept last year.

http://www.tampabay....-elbow-soreness

[drtooth]

Rays set their roster. BJ Upton, Sam Fuld and Robinson Chirinos start the year on the DL. Kyle Farnsworth revealed that the MRI on his sore right elbow shows a strain. The Rays will likely place him on the DL as well and call up Josh Lueke, unless they can trade for a more experienced option.

http://www.tampabay....set-roster-sort

[drtooth]

Kyle Farnsworth placed on the DL with Josh Lueke called up

[drtooth]

Rays top Yankees 7-6.

Carlos Pena has a great day in his return to TB with 3 hits, a 1st inning GS off Sabathia, and the game winning single off Rivera in the 9th. Evan Longoria's 3rd inning HR and Ben Zobrist's 9th inning triple accounted for the otehr TB runs. Fernando Rodney gets the win in relief

[drtooth]

Rays take game 2 from Yanks 8-6.

[derekson]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Rays claim Brandon Allen off waivers. They could send Vogt back to Durham and stick Allen in his role and have a future first base option.

[drtooth]

Rays lose 1st game of the year 5-2 to Detroit.

Jake McGee (0-1) and Burke Badenhop combine to give up 3 runs on 4 hits in the bottom of the 8th to break a 2-2 tie. Wasted a great start from Matt Moore(6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 4 K). Desmond Jennings (2 hits) and Evan Longoria drove in the Tampa runs.

[drtooth]

Jeremy Hellickson was taken to a Detroit area hospital after being hit on the side of the head with a ball during pre-game. No bleeding and never lost consciousness

[drtooth]

Rays top Tigers 4-2.

Rays score 4 times in the 9th off Justin Verlander after getting only 1 hit for the first 8 innings. Ben Zobrist's 2-run single off Jose Valverde put TB ahead. Evan Longoria knocked in a run and Jeff Keppinger scored on a Verlander WP. James Shields gets his 1st win of the year (8 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K). Fernando Rodney threw a perfect 9th for his 3rd save.

[drtooth]

Rays lose finale to Tigers 7-2

Jeff Niemann gives up 3 runs in the 5th for the loss. The Rays' pen gave up a pair in both the 7th and 8th to put the game out of reach. Carlos Pena (3rd HR) and Evan Longoria each had 2 hits and 1 RBI

[drtooth]

Human pinata Josh Lueke was sent to down after the game (Topkin's tweet came in as I was leaving the game). Dane De La Rosa was called up

[drtooth]

From yesterday, Dane De La Rosa was sent back down to Durham and Alex Cobb was brought up. Mr "Miss-A-Bunt" Chris Gimenez was brought up when Jose Lobaton was placed on the 15-day DL

[drtooth]

More bullpen shuffling as Alex Cobb is sent back down and Brandon Gomes has been called up.

[drtooth]

Rays fall to Toronto 7-3.

Tough night in the field for Evan Longoria, as he had 3 errors. Jeff Niemann falls to 0-2 (5 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. 2 HR). Carlos Pena had 3 hits. Matt Joyce had 2 hits, including a solo HR. Reid Brignac and Chris Gimenez drove in the other TB runs

[drtooth]

Rays storm Jays 12-2

Tampa scores 6 in the 9th to put the game away. Tampa gets HRs from Ben Zonrist (2-run), Sean Rodriguez, Matt Joyce and a 9th inning GS from Luke Scott. David Price gets the win to go to 2-1 (5.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K)

[drtooth]

Rays claim 1B/OF Brandon Allen off of waivers. Being out of options, he will need to stay in the majors.

[derekson]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Rays claim Brandon Allen off waivers. They could send Vogt back to Durham and stick Allen in his role and have a future first base option.

Rays claim 1B/OF Brandon Allen off of waivers. Being out of options, he will need to stay in the majors.

Hey, I was right.

Seems like he'll get plenty of PH opportunities PHing for either Sean Rodriguez or Molina/Gimenez/backup C du jour. Plus he can backup Peña at 1B, Scott at DH, and play some LF if they need to rest Jennings or Upton.

Edited by derekson, 19 April 2012 - 11:49 PM.

[drtooth]

Tampa takes 2 of 3 from Jays 9-4.

Evan Longoria ( HR, 4 RBI) and Desmond Jennings (HR, 2 RBI) each had 3 hits. Ben Zobrist and Luke Scott each drove in 2 . Jeremy Hellickson bounced back from a rough start against the Sox to get the win

[drtooth]

Rays falls to Twins 5-4.

Brandon Gomes gets the loss in a 3 run 6th. Matt Joyce's solo HR and Evan Longoria's 2-run HR account pace the offense as TB only manages 5 hits. Stephen Vogt was sent down to make room for the returning BJ Upton. After the game Reid Brignac was sent to AAA to make room for the recently acquired Brandon Allen.

http://www.tampabay....ays-vs-twins-10

RHP Kyle Farnsworth (elbow) said he's feeling better, and is hoping to begin throwing in a week. He's expected to miss the first four to six weeks of the season. C Jose Lobaton said an MRI Monday on his right shoulder revealed only inflammation, and he's been encouraged with how he's felt - hoping to throw in the next few days.

[derekson]

I wonder if Allen will get a start today against Pavano. Could see Maddon giving Scott or Jennings a day off and putting Allen at LF or DH.

[drtooth]

Rays top Twins 4-1.

BJ Upton cleared the bases in the 6th on a single, with the 3rd run scoring on a Denard Spann throwing era. Evan Longoria drove in the other TB run. James Shields goes to 3-0 with 8+ solid innings (5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K). Fernando Rodney finished it off for his 5th save.

[drtooth]

Rays take finale from Twins 6-2.

Desmond Jennings drove in 3 runs, including a 2-run 5th inning HR. BJ Upton drove in 2 and Ben Zobrist had 1 RBI. Jeff Niemann get his 1st win of the year (5.1 IP,3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K).

[drtooth]

Hideki Matsui is to sign a minor league deal. He will likely head to extended ST and then to AAA.

[Saby]

Hideki signing provides some depth in case of an injury to Scott. But it seems like there's a gluttony of LH hitters who can't take the field.

[drtooth]

Rays shut down Halos 5-0.

David Price (3-1) throws a CG 5-hitter (1 BB, 6 K). Tampa get 4 HR's--Desmond Jennings (lead off bottom 1st), Luke Scott, BJ Upton (1st HR) and Carlos Pena

[drtooth]

Tampa wins 4th in a row, 3-2 over Angels.

Jeremy Hellickson (3-0) gets the win with 6 strong innings (5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K). Rays get RBI from Ben Zobrist (HR), Jeff Keppinger, and Brandon Allen (bases loaded walk), Fernando Rodney picked up his 6th save.

[drtooth]

5 in a row. Rays sweep LA with a 9th inning walk-off 4-3.

Brandon Allen's PH 2-run HR in the bottom of the 9th gives TB the win. Ben Zobrist and Matt Joyce drive in the other runs.

[drtooth]

6 straight. Rays top Rangers 8-4.

James Shields labors through 6 innings, but goes to 4-0 with the win (11 H,4 R, 0 BB, 8 K). Evan Longoria hit a 3-run 1st inning HR and drove in 4 altogether. TB gets RBI from Ben Zobrist, Luke Scott (solo HR), BJ Upton and Chris Jiminez. Jeff Keppinger and Upton each had 3 hits.

[drtooth]

Rays streak ends 7-2 to Rangers.

Jeff Niemann falls to 1-3 in the loss (5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K). Texas put the game out of reach with 4 7th inning runs off Burke Badenhop. Evan Longoria and Matt Joyce (solo HR) drove in the runs for TB.

[drtooth]

Rays take 2 of 3 from Rangers 5-2.

David Price goes to 4-1 with the win (6.1 IP,6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K). Ben Zobrist has 3 hits and 1 RBI to pace the offense. Tampa also get RBI from Desmond Jennings, Jeff Keppinger, Luke Scott and Sean Rodriguez.

[Saby]

Longoria had to leave game against SEA becuase of what is being cited as "soreness behind the knee." Given his injury history, a DL stint might be on the cards.