Player News

Team News
Arizona Diamondbacks
Atlanta Braves
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians
Colorado Rockies
Detroit Tigers
Florida Marlins
Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers
Minnesota Twins
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Oakland Athletics
Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Seattle Mariners
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

8/12/2006

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir was activated from the disabled list by the Devil Rays on Friday after suffering from soreness in his left shoulder. The left-hander made his first start since July 23, allowing three runs and four hits with six strikeouts in five innings of a 5-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Friday.

8/5/2006

Scott Kazmir, tam

Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said Kazmir will return to action on Friday, Aug. 11 against the Oakland Athletics. Kazmir went on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation retroactive to July 24.

8/4/2006

Travis Harper, tam

The Devil Rays placed Harper on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder injury Wednesday. Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said Harper will undergo a two-week rehab period before being re-evaluated.

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli was a late scratch Thursday because of right hamstring soreness. He has made 44 starts since being activated from the DL on June 7 after missing 221 consecutive games with left knee, right elbow and hamstring injuries. Baldelli was hurt running out a grounder on Wednesday.

8/2/2006

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli left in the sixth inning of the Devil Rays 10-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday after being hit on the arm by a pitch from Jason Grilli. He was replaced by Damon Hollins and is expected to play in Wednesday's contest, despite the bruised right biceps.

8/1/2006

B.J. Upton, tam

Upton was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Monday to replace the injured Ty Wigginton.

7/30/2006

Ty Wigginton, tam

The Devil Rays placed infielder Wigginton on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a broken bone in his left hand. Wigginton was injured when he was hit by a pitch from Shawn Chacon in the fourth inning of Saturday's 19-6 victory over the New York Yankees. He will see team orthopedist Dr. Koco Eaton on Monday for further evaluation.

Scott Kazmir, tam

The Devil Rays placed Kazmir on the 15-day disabled list Sunday. Kazmir went on the DL, retroactive to July 24, with soreness in his left shoulder.

7/26/2006

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir will miss his scheduled start Friday night against the New York Yankees because of shoulder soreness. The Devil Rays do not consider the problem serious and expect the 22-year-old left-hander to pitch Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers. "He's a little bit sore," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. "We just wanted to move him back and give him a couple extra days."

7/6/2006

Carl Crawford, tam

Crawford stole three bases in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Red Sox to become the eighth player in major league history with 200 steals before the age of 25. The Devil Rays' left fielder has 32 steals on the season and 201 during his five career seasons.

7/5/2006

Tyler Walker, tam

Walker will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, the Devil Rays learned Wednesday. The right-handed closer, who was acquired in a trade from the Giants on April 27, has been on the disabled list since June 14. He was 1-3 with a 4.95 ERA and 10 saves in 20 appearances for Tampa Bay.

7/4/2006

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir's first complete game and shutout came Monday night in the Devil Rays' 3-0 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 22-year-old left-hander allowed two hits and struck out 10.

7/3/2006

Scott Kazmir, tam

Tampa Bay's Kazmir was selected to his first All-Star team on Sunday as a starting pitcher for the American League. Kazmir is 9-5 with a 3.59 ERA this season.

6/26/2006

Jonny Gomes, tam

Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said Gomes, who has problems throwing because of a shoulder injury, will be limited to pinch-hitting duties during interleague road games this week at Florida and Washington.

6/22/2006

Sean Burroughs, tam

Burroughs was designated for assignment by the Devil Rays on Wednesday, which means the team has 10 days to trade, release or waive him. Burroughs came to Tampa Bay in an offseason deal that sent right-hander Dewon Brazelton to the San Diego Padres. He was expected to be the team's starting third baseman, but injuries and inconsistency limited him to just 21 at-bats this season.

Ruddy Lugo, tam

Lugo was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained back on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Devil Rays right-hander suffered the injury while pitching Tuesday and had an MRI performed the following day. "It showed I had some strained muscles in the lower back," said Lugo. "I spoke to the doctor and he said, 'You might feel fine but you have to take this a little slower.'"

6/20/2006

Seth McClung, tam

McClung was optioned by the Devil Rays to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, a move the club said was designed to see if he can go from being a starter to a closer. The right-hander was 2-10 with a 6.81 ERA in 15 starts with Tampa Bay and there was no timetable for his return to the big leagues.

6/13/2006

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir is two strikes from becoming the 23rd left-hander to reach 300 strikeouts before turning 23. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher struck out three on Monday against the Detroit Tigers in a four-hit, five-inning start.

6/6/2006

Jorge Cantu, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays activated Cantu from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday and optioned pitcher Chad Orvella to Triple-A Durham. Cantu went on the DL April 24 with a broken bone in his left foot. The second baseman was hurt April 7 when he fouled the ball off his foot. "I'm 100 percent or I wouldn't be here," Cantu said. "Everything is fine."

5/17/2006

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir limited the Chicago White Sox to five hits and a single run over seven innings in Tampa Bay's wild 10-7 victory Tuesday night. The 22-year-old left-hander departed with a 10-1 lead, but the Rays' bullpen gave up six eighth-inning runs to generate some late drama.

5/9/2006

Delmon Young, tam

His major league debut in 2006 may be delayed after Young was suspended for 50 games without pay for throwing a bat that hit a replacement umpire in the chest. The Triple-A International League announced the penalty Tuesday, and it will be retroactive to April 27 -- the day after Young tossed his bat in a Triple-A game while playing for Durham. The 20-year-old outfielder also has agreed to perform at least 50 hours of community service.

5/3/2006

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli, who has yet to play a regular-season game because of a left hamstring injury, has been taking groundballs at first base in preparation for his return. The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that Baldelli will be starting in center field when he is ready, but first base presents another option to stay in the lineup while giving his hamstring a rest.

4/28/2006

Tyler Walker, tam

Walker, who was designated for assignment Saturday by the San Francisco Giants, was traded to Tampa Bay on Friday for right-hander Carlos Hines. Walker departs after allowing nine hits, five walks and nine runs in 5 1-3 innings with the Giants. He was 0-1 with a 15.19 ERA.

4/27/2006

Ty Wigginton, tam

Wigginton is playing well in place of injured third baseman Aubrey Huff. The Tampa Bay infielder will continue to play, perhaps getting some starts at second after Jorge Cantu went on the disabled list Wednesday with a broken bone in his left foot. In 19 games this season, Wigginton is hitting .297 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs.

Jorge Cantu, tam

Tampa Bay's starting infield continues to battle the injury bug as Cantu was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a broken bone on the top of his left foot. The Devil Rays' second baseman is expected to miss two to three weeks. Cantu fouled a ball off his foot April 7 in Toronto and missed five starts, but played the next 10 games. "I didn't feel any worse, I didn't feel any better. So I kept playing," he said.

4/24/2006

Jonny Gomes, tam

Gomes homered again Sunday in Tampa Bay's 8-3 loss to the Texas Rangers. The Rays' power prospect has four home runs in the last four games, and he has been on a hitting tear since April 12. In his last 11 games, he is 12-for-38 (.316) with a double, seven home runs and 15 RBIs.

4/23/2006

Tyler Walker, tam

Walker was designated for assignment by the Giants on Sunday, after the former closer was 0-1 with a 15.19 ERA in six appearances this season. Walker saved 23 games last season and was 5-1 in 2004, but struggled to begin 2006. San Francisco has 10 days to trade, release or assign him to the minor leagues.

4/22/2006

Edwin Jackson, tam

Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Durham by the Devil Rays on Friday and will start Saturday against the Texas Rangers. As a result, Tampa Bay optioned right-hander Jason Childers to Durham. Childers, who pitched a scoreless inning Friday against the Rangers, was 0-1 with a 4.70 ERA in five appearances.

4/16/2006

Carl Crawford, tam

Crawford hit a two-run triple as part of a 2-for-4 day in the Devil Rays' 9-5 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. The victory completed Tampa Bay's three-game sweep of the series.

4/10/2006

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu missed his second straight game on Sunday with a bruised left foot. The Devil Rays second baseman is listed at day-to-day. Tampa Bay plays a four-game series with Baltimore beginning Monday.

4/6/2006

Luis Ordaz, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have signed veteran Tomas Perez to bolster their injury-depleted infield. To make room on the roster for Perez, the Rays have moved Ordaz from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. Ordaz suffered a knee injury in Monday's opening day loss to Baltimore. He was diagnosed with bruising under the left kneecap.

4/5/2006

Luis Ordaz, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed Ordaz on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, two days after he suffered a knee injury in the Rays' opening day loss to Baltimore. The injury has been diagnosed as bruising under his left kneecap. How long he might be out of action hasn't been disclosed.

Russell Branyan, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays recalled Branyan from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday after placing infielder Luis Ordaz on the 15-day disabled list with a knee injury.

4/4/2006

Luis Ordaz, tam

Ordaz replaced Julio Lugo at shortstop Monday when the starter left with an abdominal strain in the fourth inning. Ordaz left three innings later with a sore left knee. An MRI exam was scheduled for Tuesday, and the status of both players for Wednesday's game against Baltimore is uncertain.

4/1/2006

Sean Burroughs, tam

Burroughs was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, retroactive to March 30, with a lower back strain. The Devil Rays' infielder was traded to the team from the Padres in the offseason and signed a $1.5 million, one-year contract that includes a $2.25 million club option for 2007. The 25-year-old, who was the ninth overall pick in the 1998 Draft, struggled in 2005 and actually spent more than a month in the minor leagues working on his swing.

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a left hamstring strain. The move is retroactive to March 24, which means the Devil Rays' center fielder won't be able to play until April 8. The team said Baldelli will determine when he's ready to return. The 24-year-old missed all of last season with knee and elbow injuries.

3/28/2006

Joel Guzman, tam

The Los Angeles Dodgers flirted with having Guzman make the big league roster this spring despite a recent conversion from shortstop to left field. The top prospect made a smooth transition to the outfield, but the Dodgers optioned the 21-year-old Guzman to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he can play every day and prepare for his eventual arrival in Los Angeles.

3/25/2006

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli may not be ready for opening day for the Devil Rays due to a sore left hamstring. The 24-year-old was sidelined for 17 months and missed the entire 2005 season with a surgically repaired knee. He may know by Wednesday if he will be ready for opening day when the Devil Rays visit the Baltimore Orioles on April 3.

Dioner Navarro, tam

Navarro could return from his hamstring injury by Opening Day for the Dodgers.

3/21/2006

Shinji Mori, tam

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that Mori, signed out of the Japanese leagues by the Devil Rays in January, has a torn labrum and will miss the entire 2006 season. He suffered the injury Monday night, and the Rays are saying the injury is not related to the shoulder stiffness he experienced earlier in the spring.

3/19/2006

Jae Seo, tam

Seo pitched five scoreless innings in Korea's loss to Japan in a World Baseball Classic semifinal game on Saturday.

3/17/2006

Dioner Navarro, tam

Navarro, who limped off the field Wednesday after straining his right hamstring, is expected to be out 10-14 days. MLB.com reported that the Dodgers' catcher received a cortisone injection and treatment for the injury, leaving Navarro feeling better about his prognosis.

B.J. Upton, tam

The Tampa Tribune is reporting that Upton, a high-profile top prospect who is expected to land in Tampa Bay's infield in the not-to-distant future, has been optioned to Triple-A Durham. The Devil Rays want Upton to get more at-bats in preparation for the upcoming season.

Delmon Young, tam

The Tampa Tribune is reporting that Young, arguably the best prospect in the game, has been optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Devil Rays. The Rays wanted their right fielder of the future to get more daily at-bats in preparation for the season.

3/15/2006

Dioner Navarro, tam

Navarro limped off the field Wednesday after straining his right hamstring in the Dodgers' exhibition game against Atlanta. The Los Angeles catcher was injured running to first base in the fourth inning, and he immediately left the game.

3/14/2006

Seth McClung, tam

McClung worked four scoreless innings for Tampa Bay Tuesday, in a 9-1 win over Toronto. The Devil Rays' right-hander allowed just three hits and threw 63 pitches in his outing. In 17 starts and 17 relief appearances in 2005, the 25-year-old McClung was 7-11 with a 6.59 ERA.

3/11/2006

Luis Rivas, tam

Rivas will undergo surgery Monday on the fractured right knuckle on his right index finger. The second baseman will miss about 6-8 weeks.

2/17/2006

Travis Lee, tam

Lee avoided salary arbitration by agreeing Friday to a $2.45 million, one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The 30-year-old first baseman hit .272 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs last season.

2/16/2006

Josh Paul, tam

Paul lost his salary arbitration case Thursday and will receive $475,000 from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The backup catcher had requested $750,000.

1/30/2006

Travis Harper, tam

Harper avoided arbitration with the Devil Rays, agreeing Monday to an $850,000, one-year contract.

1/23/2006

Casey Fossum, tam

Fossum avoided arbitration with the Devil Rays when he agreed Monday to a $4.55 million, two-year contract that includes a club option for 2008. Last season Fossum set career highs for wins, innings pitched and strikeouts when he went 8-12 with a 4.92 ERA in 36 games, including 25 starts.

1/19/2006

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli is optimistic that he might return for opening day after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June to replace a torn ligament in his right elbow. The Tampa Bay center fielder had 26 outfield assists from 2003-04, the third-highest total in the major leagues.

1/18/2006

Russell Branyan, tam

Branyan cleared waivers and was released by Milwaukee on Tuesday. The 30-year-old third baseman appeared in only 85 games in 2005 for the Brewers, hitting .257 with 12 homers and 31 RBIs. He spent a month on the disabled list with a broken finger on his right hand. Branyan was designated for assignment on Jan. 9.

1/15/2006

Edwin Jackson, tam

Jackson and fellow pitching prospect Chuck Tiffany were traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Saturday, in exchange for veteran relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter. One of the Dodgers' top pitching prospects, Jackson hasn't fared well in his major league trials, posting a 6-4 record and 5.50 ERA in 19 games (14 starts) over parts of three seasons.

1/9/2006

Russell Branyan, tam

The Milwaukee Brewers designated Branyan for assignment Monday. The infielder played 85 games for the Brewers last season, hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 31 RBIs. The Branyan move makes room for Milwaukee's new third baseman Corey Koskie, acquired in a trade with Toronto this offseason.

12/21/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Branyan agreed to an $800,000, one-year contract with the Brewers on Tuesday. The third baseman can earn an additional $400,000 in performance bonuses. Branyan hit .257 with 12 homers and 31 RBIs in 85 games for Milwaukee last season. He spent a month on the disabled list with a broken finger.

12/19/2005

Sean Burroughs, tam

Burroughs and the Devil Rays avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1.5 million, one-year contract that includes a $2.25 million club option for 2007. Tampa Bay acquired the infielder from the San Diego Padres on Dec. 7 in exchange for right-hander Dewon Brazelton. The 25-year-old, who was the ninth overall pick in the 1998 Draft, struggled in 2005 and actually spent more than a month in the minor leagues working on his swing.

12/7/2005

Sean Burroughs, tam

The San Diego Padres have traded Burroughs to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in exchange for right-hander Dewon Brazelton. The 25-year-old infielder, who was the ninth overall pick in the 1998 Draft, struggled in 2005 and actually spent more than a month in the minor leagues working on his swing. In 93 games with the Padres last season, he batted just .250 with one home run, 17 RBI and four stolen bases.

11/22/2005

Chad Harville, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays signed Harville to a one-year contract Tuesday. The right-handed reliever split 2005 between Houston and Boston, going 0-3 with a 4.76 ERA in 45 games. The Red Sox acquired him off waivers from the Astros at the end of August.

11/10/2005

Rocco Baldelli, tam

The new ownership group of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Baldelli have agreed to a long-term contract that could keep the 24-year-old outfielder with the Rays through his 20s. The deal guarantees him $9 million over the next three seasons and reportedly could be worth more than $32 million over six years.

11/3/2005

Sean Burroughs, tam

Burroughs won't be playing third base for San Diego in 2006, as the Padres acquired Vinny Castilla Thursday in a deal that shipped right-hander Brian Lawrence and cash to Washington. Burroughs' standing in the Padres' organization took a further hit last season, when he batted .250 with just 10 extra-base hits and 17 RBIs in 93 games. He slugged .299.

10/18/2005

Mike Rose, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have claimed Rose off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 29-year-old catcher hit .209 in 15 games for the Dodgers after spending most of the season at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he hit .259 with five homers and 36 RBI in 69 games.

9/29/2005

Carl Crawford, tam

Crawford wasn't in Tampa Bay's starting lineup on Wednesday because of a sore left wrist. Although the Rays' left fielder entered the game as a defensive replacement, he probably won't be in the lineup on Thursday against Cleveland.

Chad Orvella, tam

Orvella is done for the year with a sore shoulder. Tampa Bay's rookie reliever finishes with a 3-3 mark, one save and a 3.60 ERA in 37 appearances. He worked exactly 50 innings for the Rays after climbing from Double-A Montgomery during the first half of the season.

9/21/2005

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu was plunked on the elbow with a pitch last Wednesday, and he sat out Tampa Bay's Thursday loss to the Yankees. He returned on Friday with a home-run stroke. After stroking a pair of solo shots in Baltimore on Friday night, the Rays' second baseman hit home runs on both Monday and Tuesday against Boston. In five games since Friday, Cantu is 6-for-19 (.316) with four home runs and six RBI.

9/16/2005

Jorge Cantu, tam

After sitting out Thursday's game, the day after he was plunked on the elbow by a pitch, Cantu expects to return to the Tampa Bay lineup on Friday or Saturday. There's still some swelling and discomfort, but Cantu wasn't hurt seriously and should be back on the field before the weekend is over.

9/15/2005

Luis Rivas, tam

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire yanked Rivas out of Wednesday's game with Detroit for not going after Omar Infante's foul pop up behind first base in the third inning. First baseman Justin Morneau lost the routine pop in the overcast sky and an out wasn't recorded.

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu had to leave Tampa Bay's Wednesday night showdown against the Yankees after he was hit on the elbow by a Tanyon Sturtze pitch in the seventh inning. X-rays revealed no broken bones, but the Rays' second baseman could miss a little time because of discomfort and swelling in the elbow. Consider him day-to-day.

9/8/2005

Tyler Walker, tam

Walker was activated from the 15-day disabled list. In 57 appearances with the Giants this year, he has gone 3-4 with a 4.86 ERA, with 22 saves in 27 opportunities.

9/7/2005

Luis Rivas, tam

The Minnesota Twins recalled Rivas from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. The veteran second baseman batted .248 with a .280 on-base percentage in 43 games for Rochester. In 48 contests with Minnesota, the 26-year-old Rivas hit .250 with a .293 OBP.

9/5/2005

Seth McClung, tam

On the bereavement list since Wednesday, McClung returned to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Saturday with eight two-hit innings that produced a 3-2 Rays victory. McClung has worked quality starts in three of his last four times out, and he has improved to 6-8 with a 6.16 ERA in 30 games (13 starts).

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir shut out the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday on four hits over seven innings, and the Tampa Bay bullpen got the job done the rest of the way for a 1-0 Rays victory over the Jays. The win upped the rookie's record to 8-9 with a 4.02 ERA.

9/3/2005

Mike Rose, tam

The Dodgers recalled Rose from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday. The catcher is batting just .211 in 13 games with the Dodgers this season.

9/1/2005

Seth McClung, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed McClung on the bereavement list Wednesday, following a death in the family. While the 24-year-old righthander is expected back in time to make his Saturday start in Toronto, the Rays recalled lefthanded reliever Joe Beimel to take McClung's roster spot.

8/31/2005

Sean Burroughs, tam

After spending nearly six weeks at Triple-A Portland, Burroughs was recalled by the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. The veteran infielder batted .290 with eight doubles, three homers and 14 RBI in 32 games for Portland. He departed San Diego with a .255 average and .302 slugging mark in 78 games.

8/30/2005

Chad Harville, tam

The Boston Red Sox claimed Harville off waivers from the Houston Astros Monday. The righthanded reliever was 0-2 with a 4.46 ERA in 37 relief appearances for Houston in 2005.

8/27/2005

J.P. Howell, tam

After placing Runelvys Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list Friday, the Royals recalled lefthanded pitcher J.P. Howell to take Hernandez' place in the rotation. Howell, who is 1-4 with a 7.68 ERA for the Royals this season, will be thrown right into the fire, starting against the Yankees on Saturday.

8/23/2005

Ty Wigginton, tam

Wigginton was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday Night after Jose Castillo was placed on the 15-day disabled list. The utilityman, who was sent down on June 6 after losing his job to Freddy Sanchez, was hitting .206 with five home runs and 11 RBIs when he was demoted.

8/22/2005

Edwin Jackson, tam

Jackson will make his 2005 major league debut when he takes the mound against the Florida Marlins on Monday. The righthander was recalled from Double-A Jacksonville to replace lefthander Odalis Perez, who is out with a strained oblique muscle. In 10 starts at Jacksonville, Jackson was 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA.

8/21/2005

Tyler Walker, tam

Battling inflammation and soreness in his pitching shoulder, Walker has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the San Francisco Giants. The righthander, who has been serving as the team's closer, will be replaced on the roster by Brian Cooper. In 56 relief appearances this season, Walker is 3-4 with a 4.86 ERA and 22 saves.

Scott Kazmir, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays pulled Kazmir after just six innings of work in Saturday's victory over the Texas Rangers, but lefthander was productive prior to his departure, matching a career high with 10 strikeouts. He allowed just one run on four hits to record his seventh win of the 2005 campaign. For the year, he is 7-8 with a 3.94 ERA and has fanned 134 batters in 146.1 innings.

8/16/2005

Jonny Gomes, tam

Two weeks after stroking three home runs in a game for the first time in his career, Gomes tied a major league record Monday night when he was hit by three pitches in Tampa Bay's 5-2 loss to the New York Yankees. The Rays' DH-outfielder was plunked twice by Yankees starter Jaret Wright, once before and once after stroking his 16th homer of the season, and Mariano Rivera struck again in the ninth inning.

8/14/2005

Jae Seo, tam

Seo continues to impress the Mets, tossing eight innings of one-run, five-hit ball in a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday. In five starts this year, he is now 4-1 with a 1.35 ERA and a 24-5 strikeout-walk ratio in 33.1 innings.

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu smacked two home runs and a double, scoring three times and driving in three, as the Devil Rays coasted to an 8-2 win over the Cleveland Indians.

8/12/2005

Josh Paul, tam

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim put Paul on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a sprained right thumb. The move is retroactive to August 8. A third catcher on the Angels' roster, Paul is 6-for-32 (.188) with four runs scored this season.

8/10/2005

Tim Corcoran, tam

On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays optioned righthander Dewon Brazelton to Triple-A Durham and recalled Corcoran from the same affiliate. The 27-year-old Corcoran was 5-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 29 relief appearances for Durham. In two games with the Rays this season, the righthander has worked four innings and allowed one run for a 2.25 ERA.

8/8/2005

Dan Miceli, tam

Still nursing a deep bone bruise in his left foot, Miceli has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies, retroactive to August 5. The veteran righthander, who is 1-2 with a 5.89 ERA in 19 relief appearances this season, suffered the injury when he was struck by a liner late last week.

8/7/2005

Jae Seo, tam

The New York Mets recalled Seo on Saturday to make the day's start against the Chicago Cubs. The 28-year-old righthander limited the Cubs to four hits and a walk over 7.1 scoreless innings to claim the 2-0 win.

7/31/2005

Jonny Gomes, tam

Gomes drilled three solo shots into the seats at Tropicana Field on Saturday, marking the first time in franchise history that a Tampa Bay player has homered three times in a game. The 24-year-old rookie slugger hit a pair of dingers off Royals starter Zack Greinke, who took the loss in the Rays' 7-3 victory, and then added the last poke against KC closer Mike MacDougal in the eighth inning.

7/29/2005

Dioner Navarro, tam

The Dodgers recalled Navarro from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he was hitting .266 in 75 games, with six home runs and 29 RBI. To make room for him on the major league roster, Mike Rose was sent down.

Mike Rose, tam

Rose was shipped to Triple-A Las Vegas as the Dodgers called up catching prospect Dioner Navarro.

7/26/2005

Doug Waechter, tam

As anticipated, Waechter was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in time to take the mound against the Boston Red Sox Monday night. The 24-year-old righthander, who is returning after nearly a month's absence with tendinitis in his right index finger, pitched a solid game, allowing just one run on five hits over 5.2 innings, striking out seven and walking two. However, he did not figure into the decision.

Shawn Camp, tam

The Kansas City Royals have purchased Camp's contract from Triple-A Omaha, replacing the struggling Mike Wood on the roster. In 21 appearances with the minor league club this season, including seven starts, Camp went 3-6 with a 3.86 ERA.

Fernando Cortez, tam

Cortez has been optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after notching just one hit in 13 at-bats during his short stint with the major league club. The 23-year-old infielder will be replaced on the roster by pitcher Doug Waechter, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday.

7/25/2005

Doug Waechter, tam

Waechter still is on track to be activated from the disabled list in time to start against David Wells and the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. The 24-year-old righthander, who is returning from tendinitis in his right index finger, is 3-6 with a 5.55 ERA in 12 starts and four relief appearances this season.

7/23/2005

Sean Burroughs, tam

San Diego optioned Burroughs to Triple-A Portland on Saturday. Burroughs has been struggling this season, hitting .255 with just one home run and 15 RBI.

J.P. Howell, tam

The Kansas City Royals optined Howell to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday. The rookie pitcher is 1-4 with a 7.68 ERA in eight starts with Kansas City.

7/22/2005

Kevin Cash, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Friday recalled catcher Pete LaForest from Triple-A Durham and optioned Cash to the same affiliate. The 27-year-old Cash, who was acquired from Toronto at the start of the season, was 5-for-31 (.161) with two homers as the Rays' backup catcher.

7/21/2005

Travis Lee, tam

Among first basemen with at least 200 at-bats this season, only Lee and San Francisco's J.T. Snow have as few as just two home runs. Lee ranks below all of his peers with just 19 RBI, and Snow, who has only 20 ribbies, is batting 37 points higher than Lee's .233 mark. Lee is slugging just .323 with only 15 extra-base hits all season.

Doug Waechter, tam

On Wednesday, Waechter worked a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Durham, which is a tuneup for returning to the Tampa Bay rotation on Monday against Boston. Out with tendinitis in his right index finger, Waechter has tweaked the grip on his fastball, hoping that will reduce the risk of the tendinitis returning.

7/18/2005

Tyler Walker, tam

Walker had a sore right shoulder after making 31 pitches while blowing a save and taking the loss in Saturday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a result, the Giants decided to hold him out of Sunday's contest, a move that was considered purely precautionary. LaTroy Hawkins was used to finish off the Dodgers in the ninth in Walker's stead.

7/17/2005

Luis Rivas, tam

With infielder Michael Cuddyer slated to come off the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, the Minnesota Twins opened a spot on the active roster by optioning Rivas to Triple-A Rochester Saturday night. The second baseman has struggled a bit this season, batting .250 with no home runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases in 48 games.

7/15/2005

Justin Miller, tam

On Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays recalled righthander Chad Gaudin from Triple-A Syracuse and designated Miller for assignment. The 27-year-old Miller, who was acquired with Eric Hinske from Oakland in a 2001 deal for Billy Koch, worked 2.1 innings and posted a 15.43 ERA for the Jays this season.

7/14/2005

Travis Driskill, tam

Driskill, who was recalled from the minors last weekend by Houston, has been designated for assignment without appearing in a game for the Astros. The 33-year-old righthander last appeared in a major league game for Colorado last August. The Astros recalled Ezequiel Astacio on Thursday to take Driskill's spot on the 25-man roster.

7/13/2005

Rob Bell, tam

Bell, who was designated for assignment last week by Tampa Bay, was outrighted to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday after he cleared waivers. The 28-year-old righthander was 1-1 with an 8.28 ERA in eight games (three starts) this season for the Rays.

7/10/2005

Rob Bell, tam

The Devil Rays activated Bell from the 15-day disabled list, then designated him for assignment. They now have 10 days to trade, release or place Bell on waivers.

7/5/2005

Fernando Cortez, tam

After Chris Singleton was released on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays called up Cortez from Triple-A Durham before Monday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. The 23-year-old second baseman batted .278 in 21 games at Durham after beginning the season at Double-A Montgomery. Overall, he hit .317 with 21 stolen bases in 76 games for Durham and Montgomery.

7/4/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

The Milwaukee Brewers activated Branyan from the disabled list Monday, before opening a four-game series against the Florida Marlins. To make room for Branyan, who was out with a broken middle finger on his left hand, the Brewers optioned top prospect Prince Fielder to Triple-A Nashville.

Chris Singleton, tam

Singleton was given his release by Tampa Bay on Sunday, a day after the Rays purchased his contract from Triple-A Durham. The veteran outfielder, who had signed a minor league deal with the team last week after being released by the major league club in late May, left the Devil Rays because he misunderstood the team's offer to return to the majors.

7/3/2005

Doug Waechter, tam

Prior to their series finale against Minnesota on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed Waechter on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right index finger. The move was made retroactive to June 29. The Rays recalled lefthanded reliever Joe Beimel from Triple-A Durham to take Waechter's roster spot.

7/2/2005

Chris Singleton, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have purchased the contract of Chris Singleton from Triple-A Durham. He takes the roster spot of Eric Munson, who is sidelined with bruised ribs. Singleton began the season with Tampa Bay,batting .271 in 28 games, but was designated for assignment on May 20 and released a week later. He signed a minor league contract with the Devil Rays earlier this week.

6/29/2005

Tim Corcoran, tam

With veteran Trever Miller coming off the disabled list to return to the Tampa Bay bullpen, the Devil Rays optioned Corcoran to Triple-A Durham. The 27-year-old righthander worked two relief appearances during a two-week stay with the Rays, allowing four hits and two walks over four innings en route to a 2.25 ERA.

6/28/2005

Luis Rivas, tam

Rivas, who came back early from an oblique strain 10 days ago when injuries plagued the Twins' middle infield, is now battling a lower back ailment. While the Minnesota second baseman has been able to take grounders in recent days, he hasn't played in a game since Saturday and could be a candidate for the disabled list.

Doug Waechter, tam

In Tampa Bay's revamped bullpen, Waechter, Dewon Brazelton and Chad Orvella will be working in the setup role for the Rays. The trio will pitch in key game situations, which means close games and occasional chances to pick up decisions.

Chad Orvella, tam

In Tampa Bay's revamped bullpen, Orvella, Dewon Brazelton and Doug Waechter will be working in the setup role for the Rays. The trio will pitch in key game situations, which means close games and occasional chances to pick up decisions.

6/27/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Branyan is getting closer to a return to the Brewers' active lineup, as he continues to recover from a broken middle finger on his left hand. The third baseman/outfielder, who suffered the injury while attempting a bunt, is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Monday and will serve as the team's designated hitter.

Seth McClung, tam

On Sunday, it was a day short of two years since McClung underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Tampa Bay's 24-year-old righthander showed the procedure clearly was behind him, limiting the Florida Marlins to two hits, three walks and a run over seven innings Sunday.

6/24/2005

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli underwent successful Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Thursday. The Tampa Bay outfielder will need 8-9 months to be ready for game action, so look for the 23-year-old Baldelli to be vying to return to the Rays' outfield for Opening Day 2006. He didn't play a major league game this season, as he started the year on the disabled list following knee surgery in November.

Seth McClung, tam

McClung will be recalled to start Sunday against the Marlins, which will push the rest of the Tampa Bay rotation back a day. Hideo Nomo will now pitch Monday, Scott Kazmir on Tuesday and Mark Hendrickson on Wednesday. Doug Waechter, who will start Friday's series opener against Florida, will go to the bullpen following his start.

Doug Waechter, tam

Except for an impressive eight-inning stint against Milwaukee on June 13, Waechter's last solid start for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays would be a month earlier on May 13. After the 24-year-old righthander starts for the Rays Friday against the Florida Marlins, he will move to the bullpen. Waechter is 3-4 with a 5.63 ERA in 14 games.

Scott Kazmir, tam

Seth McClung will be recalled to start Sunday against the Marlins, which will push the rest of the Tampa Bay rotation back a day. Hideo Nomo will now pitch Monday, Kazmir will go Tuesday and Mark Hendrickson on Wednesday. Doug Waechter, who will start Friday's series opener against Florida, will go to the bullpen following his start.

6/20/2005

Dan Miceli, tam

The Colorado Rockies have purchased Miceli's contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs, replacing infielder Tim Olson, who was designated for assignment on Sunday. The veteran righthander is expected to join the team in time for Monday's meeting with the Houston Astros.

Jonny Gomes, tam

Very little has made Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella happy this season, but Gomes' approach and success at the plate since his recall last Tuesday has been pleasing to the Rays' skipper. Piniella said he expects to use Gomes more in the middle of the Rays' batting order.

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir reported no ill effects from the sprained right ankle sustained in Friday's loss to St. Louis. Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella said Kazmir will tape his ankles for every start from this point on. Look for Kazmir to be ready for his scheduled start in Yankee Stadium on Wednesday.

6/18/2005

Scott Kazmir, tam

Kazmir rolled his ankle on Friday while attempting to field and infield hit. Kazmir had given up two runs on six hits through four innings before leaving to get his ankle taped.

6/17/2005

Damon Hollins, tam

The Tommy John surgery that ended Rocco Baldelli's season before it even started means an outfield spot will be open in Tampa Bay all summer. That's good news for Hollins and fellow rookie Jonny Gomes, who can expect to get their share of at-bats with the Rays.

Luis Rivas, tam

Rivas was headed out on a minor league rehab assignment for his strained oblique muscle, but with Nick Punto already out hurt and Brent Abernathy coming down with an injured throwing shoulder this week, Rivas was activated from the disabled list in time for Minnesota's weekend series against San Diego. He's been on the DL since June 1, and he returns with a .203 average and .253 on-base percentage in 69 at-bats this season.

Luis Rivas, tam

Rivas was headed out on a minor league rehab assignment for his strained oblique muscle, but with Nick Punto already out hurt and both Brent Abernathy and Juan Castro going down with injuries this week, Rivas was activated from the disabled list in time for Minnesota's weekend series against San Diego. Abernathy has gone on the disabled list and Castro is out a few days, so look for Rivas to play second base and rookie Luis Rodriguez to start at short this weekend.

Jonny Gomes, tam

The Tommy John surgery that ended Rocco Baldelli's season before it even started means an outfield spot will be open in Tampa Bay all summer. That's good news for Gomes and fellow rookie Damon Hollins, who can expect to get their share of at-bats with the Rays.

6/15/2005

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli injured his right elbow working out at the Tampa Bay complex in Florida earlier this week, and he will be examined by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham on Wednesday. It's conceivable that Baldelli, who has been out all year following offseason knee surgery, could go under the knife for Tommy John surgery.

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Baldelli will have Tommy John surgery next week and miss the entire season. The 23-year-old outfielder has not played for Tampa Bay in 2005, as he has been on the disabled list all spring following knee surgery last November.

6/14/2005

Charles Johnson, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays released Johnson on Monday. The 33-year-old catcher was batting .196 (9-for-46) with four doubles as the Rays' backup catcher. The team recalled Kevin Cash from Triple-A Durham te replace Johnson on the major league roster.

Kevin Cash, tam

A December trade that moved him from Toronto to Tampa Bay seemed to open doors, but Cash spent the first month of the season on the disabled list for neck and shoulder problems. The 27-year-old catcher has batted .350 with seven homers in 17 games for Triple-A Durham since his return, and now he moves on to Tampa Bay.

Jonny Gomes, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays recalled Gomes from Triple-A Durham Monday after designating Alex Sanchez for assignment. Gomes joined the Rays' lineup as the designated hitter Monday night and hit a solo homer in Tampa Bay's 5-3 win over Milwaukee. Now in his second stint with the Rays, the 24-year-old power prospect is 8-for-27 (.296) with three home runs and six RBI in nine games.

Tim Corcoran, tam

After placing lefthanded reliever Trever Miller on the 15-day disabled list Monday for a hamstring injury, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays recalled Corcoran from Triple-A Durham. The 27-year-old righthander was 4-1 with a 4.00 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 36 innings for Durham.

6/12/2005

J.P. Howell, tam

The Royals called up Howell from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday, and the 22-year-old lefthander got his first major league start and first win on Saturday night against the Diamondbacks. Howell worked five innings and gave up just four hits and one earned run while striking out eight. In three minor league stops this season, Howell went 6-1 with a 2.34 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 69.1 innings.

6/11/2005

Luis Rivas, tam

Rivas, on the disabled list since June 1 with a strained oblique muscle, felt discomfot when he tried to hit softly tossed baseballs on Friday. So although he is taking infield practice, it looks like Rivas is still awhile away from being able to start hitting again.

Luis Rivas, tam

Rivas, on the disabled list since June 1 with a strained oblique muscle, has felt discomfort hitting off a tee or trying to hit softly tossed baseballs. Though he is taking infield practice, it still looks like the Twins' second baseman is a ways away from being able to start hitting again.

6/9/2005

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Now playing extended spring training games, Baldelli is targeting sometime around the All-Star break for his return. The Tampa Bay center fielder underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last November. He might start a minor league rehab assignment with Double-A Montgomery in 10-14 days.

6/8/2005

Casey Fossum, tam

Fossum reported no major problems after throwing in the bullpen on Tuesday, and barring any last-minute setbacks, he will take the mound against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. The Devil Rays' lefthander was able to log just three innings in his start last Friday before leaving with tightness in his groin.

Scott Kazmir, tam

Casey Fossum threw in the bullpen on Tuesday without any problems with the groin tightness that forced him out of his Friday start. As long as the Tampa Bay lefty doesn't have a setback in the next 24 hours, he will face Cincinnati on Thursday and Kazmir will get two extra days of rest and work Saturday's game in Pittsburgh.

6/6/2005

Scott Kazmir, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays were going to give Kazmir a couple extra days of rest following his Satursday start against Seattle, but that may change if Casey Fossum's groin injury keeps him from starting against Cincinnati in the middle of the week. Kazmir may end up working on regular rest.

6/5/2005

Casey Fossum, tam

Fossum still hopes to be ready for his next start later this week, but a final decision likely won't be made until after he is re-evaluated by the Devil Rays' training staff on Tuesday. The lefthander was limited to just three innings in his last outing, due to a sore groin. For now, he has been listed as day-to-day.

Ty Wigginton, tam

After losing his starting job to Freddy Sanchez last week, things got even worse for Wigginton on Saturday, as he was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The third baseman, who was acquired from the New York Mets in the Kris Benson trade last year, is batting just .204 with five home runs and 11 RBI in 35 games this season.

6/3/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Expected to miss at least two weeks with a broken middle finger on his left hand, Branyan has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Milwaukee Brewers. The slugger, who suffered the injury while trying to bunt in Wednesday's meeting with the San Diego Padres, will be replaced on the roster by Dave Krynzel. In 37 games this season, Branyan is batting .247 with six home runs, 17 RBI and one stolen base, but he's struck out 39 times in 97 at-bats.

Sean Burroughs, tam

According to Padres' manager Bruce Bochy, Burrough should return to the lineup during this weekend's series against the Chicago Cubs, perhaps as early as Friday's tussle. The third baseman has been since May 25, due to a strained left quadriceps muscle. For the season, he is batting .266 with one home run, eight RBI and two stolen bases in 41 games.

6/2/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Branyan is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Thursday after breaking the middle finger on his right hand during a bunt attempt in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres. The Brewers' third baseman hopes to return to the lineup as soon as the swelling in the finger subsides, but admitted he could be sidelined for as long as two weeks.

Ty Wigginton, tam

Wigginton has struggled this season, and now he's losing his grip on Pittsburgh's third-base job. On Thursday, manager Lloyd McClendon said that Freddy Sanchez would get most of the at-bats at third for the foreseeable future. Wigginton already was sharing time with Rob Mackowiak, Bobby Hill and Sanchez, after beginning the new season with the starting job.

6/1/2005

Luis Rivas, tam

The Minnesota Twins placed Rivas on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday for a left oblique strain. The second baseman has been backing up Nick Punto of late, and he goes on the DL with a .203 average and a .253 on-base percentage in 32 games this season. The Twins have recalled Brent Abernathy to fill Rivas' backup role in the middle infield.

Chad Orvella, tam

After Hideo Nomo and Seth McClung were throttled for 10 runs Tuesday night, in Oakland's 10-1 win over Tampa Bay, Orvella came in and recorded the final five outs without allowing a baserunner. The 24-year-old righthander struck out one in a successful major league debut.

5/31/2005

Damon Hollins, tam

Hollins may be a 30-year-old rookie who turns 31 on June 12, and he doesn't qualify for the batting title because he just arrived from the minors on May 2. But the Tampa Bay outfielder is hitting .325 in 87 plate appearances. That happens to be better than the best of the four rookies who qualify for batting titles in either league -- Colorado's Clint Barmes, who leads with a .323 mark in 214 plate appearances.

Sean Burroughs, tam

Burroughs has been absent from the Padres' lineup since May 25, due to a strained left quadriceps muscle. The third baseman continues to improve, and a trip to the 15-day disabled list is not expected at this time. In his absence, Geoff Blum has been handling the hot-corner duties, and Damian Jackson is getting the nod at second base.

Dioner Navarro, tam

Navarro's stint on the Los Angeles Dodgers' roster was a short one. After being recalled over the weekend to replace the injured Paul Bako, the catcher has been optioned back to Triple-A Las Vegas. He did not record an at-bat.

Mike Rose, tam

The Los Angeles Dodgers have purchased Rose's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas. The catcher will take over as the team's primary backup behind starter Jason Phillips, replacing Dioner Navarro, who was optioned to the minor league club on Monday. The 28-year-old Rose has appeared in just two major league contests -- with Oakland last year.

5/30/2005

Jon Switzer, tam

Switzer has been optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the team will fill his roster spot prior to Monday's meeting with the Oakland A's. During his short stint with Tampa Bay, the lefthander appeared in jsut two games, allowing three earned runs on five hits in four innings of work. He struck out five and walked seven.

Jon Switzer, tam

Switzer has been optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the team will fill his roster spot prior to Monday's meeting with the Oakland A's. During his short stint with Tampa Bay, the lefthander appeared in just two games, allowing three earned runs on five hits in four innings of work. He struck out five and walked seven.

Chad Orvella, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have recalled Orvella, an advanced relief prospect who will move into the Rays' bullpen. The 24-year-old righthander has posted an ERA of 0.36 with nine saves in 16 appearances for Double-A Montgomery.

5/29/2005

Dioner Navarro, tam

With backup catcher Paul Bako going on the disabled list, the Dodgers called up Navarro from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he was hitting .243 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 36 games.

5/27/2005

Shawn Camp, tam

To make room on the 40-man roster for 28-year-old righthander Steve Stemle, who was recalled on Thursday, the Kansas City Royals designated Camp for assignment. Camp, a 29-year-old righthander, was 0-2 with a 12.15 ERA in 10 appearances for the Royals this season.

5/26/2005

Ty Wigginton, tam

Wigginton, who has spent the majority of the season below the Mendoza line, boosted his average back to .200 with his performance in Wednesday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Pirates' infielder went 3-for-4, belting two home runs, driving in three and scoring three times.

5/24/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Although he has been available to pinch-hit, Branyan has missed the Brewers' last three games with soreness in his right shoulder. The third baseman, who has been battling the ailment for the majority of the season, currently is listed as day-to-day. Jeff Cirillo will continue to start at the hot corner until Branyan can return to the lineup.

5/20/2005

Travis Lee, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays activated Lee from the 15-day disabled list on Friday, just in time for their interleague series with in-state rival Florida. The first baseman will return as the Rays' starter. He is hitting .299 with nine RBI in 21 games this season.

Chris Singleton, tam

To make room for Travis Lee's return from the disabled list, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays designated Singleton for assignment. The vetern outfielder batted .271 with a .348 on-base percentage in 59 at-bats for the Rays.

Luis Rivas, tam

With starting second baseman Nick Punto nursing a sore calf muscle, Rivas has started at second for the Minnesota Twins this week. Rivas, who was displaced by Punto at second in late April, has hit safely in all three games he's played since covering for Punto as the starter. Rivas was 4-for-11 (.364) in those three games.

5/19/2005

Tyler Walker, tam

Walker has notched a save in each of his last three appearances, and it looks like he will be the top choice to finish out games for the Giants going forward. Manager Felipe Alou has been searching for a closer since Armando Benitez tore his hamstring late last month.

5/18/2005

Travis Lee, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays held off on activating Lee from the disabled list on Tuesday. The Rays' first baseman, who has been sidelined since the start of May with a groin strain, may not be recalled until the end of the team's three-game series in Detroit on Thursday. Lee is hitting .299 with nine RBI in 21 games this season.

Rocco Baldelli, tam

Recovering from November knee surgery, Baldelli has started playing in extended spring training games in the Tampa Bay camp in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays' outfielder is expected to return to major league action sometime in June.

5/17/2005

Travis Lee, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are expected to activate Lee in time for Tuesday night's game in Detroit. The Rays' first baseman has been on the disabled list since the start of May with a groin strain. He's hitting .299 with nine RBI in 21 games this season.

Lee's return also forces Aubrey Huff back into the Rays' outfield, which means one of the starters -- probably Damon Hollins -- will go to the bench. Either Hollins or Chris Singleton are likely to depart to make room for Lee on the 25-man roster.

5/14/2005

Rob Bell, tam

Bell was placed on the 15-day disabled list for "personal and psychological issues." The Tampa Bay pitcher has not made an appearance in a game since last Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, when he walked the only batter he faced. On the season, Bell is 1-1 with an 8.28 ERA.

Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella said only that Bell was going home and did not know of a timetable for the pitcher's possible return. The Devil Rays have recalled Seth McClung from Triple-A Durham to fill Bell's roster spot.

Seth McClung, tam

Tampa bay has recalled McClung from Triple-A Durham. The pitcher takes the roster spot of Rob Bell, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday for "personal and psychological issues." McClung began the season with Tampa Bay, but was demoted on April 29. He is 0-1 with a 12.19 ERA with the Devil Rays this season.

5/12/2005

Damon Hollins, tam

Hollins stole three bases in Tampa Bay's loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. The recently promoted outfielder hit safely in all three games of the series against the White Sox, but the three steals weren't enough to secure a three-game sweep against the American League Central leaders.

Hollins, who has hit safely in nine of 10 games since his recall, has a six-game hitting streak and a .361 average since arriving from Triple-A Durham. He has scored eight runs in his 10 games.

Casey Fossum, tam

After a successful conversion to the bullpen this season with Tampa Bay, Fossum will move to the rotation after the Devil Rays demoted struggling starter Dewon Brazelton on Wednesday. In 11 relief appearances this season, Fossum is 2-1 with a 3.92 ERA. He fanned 23 in 20.2 innings as a reliever.

Jon Switzer, tam

With lefthander Casey Fossum stepping into the Tampa Bay rotation to replace the demoted Dewon Brazelton, the Rays have recalled the lefthanded Switzer to assumer Fossum's duties in the bullpen. The 25-year-old Switzer appeared briefly with the Rays in 2003, but missed all of 2004 following shoulder surgery.

Switzer was 3-1 with a 3.45 ERA in six starts for Double-A Montgomery, allowing 33 hits in 31.1 innings, but striking out 20 and walking only five.

5/10/2005

Jonny Gomes, tam

After spending nearly three weeks with Tampa Bay, Gomes was optioned to Triple-A Durham Tuesday to make room for the return of injured pitcher Jesus Colome. In just eight games, Gomes was 7-for-23 (.304) with two homers and five RBI. He also drew three walks and posted a .407 on-base percentage.

The Rays decided to stick with Damon Hollins and Chris Singleton on the major league roster. Gomes rejoins fellow prospect Joey Gathright at Durham.

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu is penciled in to start at third base for Tampa Bay once again on Tuesday, marking the fourth straight day he has been the starter there. Alex Gonzalez has been on the bench, as the 23-year-old Cantu has shifted from second base to replace him.

Cantu has hit safely in his three games as the Rays' starting third baseman, going 4-for-12 (.333) with a double, homer and three RBI. For the season, he is a .270 hitter with four homers and 13 RBI in 27 games.

5/9/2005

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu started at third base for Tampa Bay on both Saturday and Sunday. Facing Minnesota, the 23-year-old prospect went 2-for-8 and made one error at the hot corner. The young second baseman could displace veteran Alex Gonzalez at third.

Gonzalez is hitting .250 with two homers and eight RBI in 22 games after a fast start. Currently he is on a 6-for-37 slide (.162), and Cantu could be pushing the 32-year-old veteran out of regular duty.

5/5/2005

Josh Paul, tam

Paul, the Angels' backup catcher with starting catcher Bengie Molina out of action, suffered a bruised right thumb and left Wednesday's game in the sixth inning. He was struck on the thumb by a throw while running the bases. X-rays were not taken and he will be re-evaluated Thursday in Anaheim.

This doesn't sound serious, but the Angels don't have many options behind the plate with Molina already on the sidelines.

Jae Seo, tam

Seo notched the win in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing just one hit over seven shutout innings, striking out eight and walking two. The solid performance was not enough to keep the righthander in the rotation, as the Mets' optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk shortly after the game. The move was made to open a spot on the roster for Kris Benson, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list.

Seo has made three starts for the Mets so far this season, going 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA. He'll join Norfolk's starting rotation.

5/3/2005

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu took grounders at third base before Tampa Bay's loss to the New York Yankees on Monday. With veteran Alex Gonzalez struggling offensively as the Rays' third baseman, the Rays may be looking at moving Cantu to third and starting another young player, Nick Green, at second.

The sample size is small, but Cantu did his best hitting in 2004 while playing third. In 42 at-bats as the Rays' third sacker, he batted .381 with seven doubles. Overall, he batted .301 in 50 games last season. And in 2005, he's hitting .263 with three doubles, three homers and 10 RBI in 24 games.

5/2/2005

Travis Lee, tam

Lee suffered a groin strain running out a hit in Tampa Bay's loss to Baltimore on Sunday. The Rays' first baseman, who will be re-evaluated on Monday, looks like a candidate for the disabled list.

Jonny Gomes may be spared a return to Triple-A Durham because of Lee's injury. He already got a reprieve because of his hot bat, as Seth McClung was shipped to Durham when Mark Hendrickson was activated from the DL on Friday.

Travis Lee, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have placed Lee on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin. The first baseman was injured running out a hit in the Rays' 7-4 loss to Baltimore on Sunday. He was hitting .299 with nine RBI in 21 games this season.

Lee said he felt a lot better on Monday and probably could be ready in 7-10 days. He won't be eligible to come off the DL until May 15.

Damon Hollins, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays recalled Hollins from Triple-A Durham on Monday. The outfielder was hitting .296 with two homers and 17 RBI with Durham.

Hollins, who batted .364 (8-for-22) during a brief stint with Atlanta last season, enters a crowded outfield scenario with the Rays. Carl Crawford, Alex Sanchez and Aubrey Huff have been getting most of the starts, plus Chris Singleton is on the roster and rookie Jonny Gomes has been auditioning for playing time. Huff may get some time at first base with Travis Lee on the disabled list, so there may be some extra time to divide up at one of the corners.

Seth McClung, tam

McClung was sent to Triple-A Durham after Tampa Bay's Friday night loss to Baltimore. The Ray's righthanded reliever had been roughed up by Boston and Toronto earlier in the week, and he heads to Durham with an 0-1 record and 12.19 ERA in nine relief appearances. He allowed 13 hits and nine walks over 10.1 innings in his first big league stint since May 2003.

McClung is fully healthy from Tommy John surgery in 2003, but he needs more work to get his arsenal in shape for major league hitters.

4/29/2005

Chris Singleton, tam

Singleton was fined an undisclosed amount of money for his role in the bench-clearing melee between Tampa Bay and Boston last Sunday. The Rays' outfielder avoided a suspension, however, and he will be available when his team takes on Baltimore this weekend.

Luis Rivas, tam

Rivas is mired in a 2-for-22 slump and is hitting just .195 (8-for-41) without an extra-base hit for the season. The Twins' second baseman has been unable to build on his promise of a few years ago, when he arrived as a 21-year-old rookie in 2000. With Nick Punto hitting better of late, Rivas has been on the bench the last two games and Punto has been the second baseman.

Punto may be stealing Rivas' job. It's not surprising that the Twins would be looking for other options. Year in and year out, Rivas hits in the .250s without power or plate discipline. His career OBP is .305, and the 25-year-old veteran is hitting .195 with a .244 OBP in 17 games this season.

4/28/2005

Charles Johnson, tam

An MRI exam of Johnson's tender right shoulder didn't reveal a more serious problem, and the Tampa Bay catcher has traveled with the team to Toronto instead of going on the disabled list. The veteran backstop hasn't played since leaving the Rays' Sunday afternoon contest against Boston, but he is expected to be in the lineup against the Jays on Thursday.

Johnson has been productive as a part-time player since joining the Rays in mid-April. He has gone 4-for-11 (.364) with two doubles, four walks and a .533 on-base percentage in six games.

Shawn Camp, tam

To make room for Ken Harvey on the Kansas City roster, the Royals optioned Camp to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. In 10 relief appearances, the 29-year-old righthander was 0-2 with a 12.15 ERA for the Royals.

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu, Tampa Bay's 23-year-old second baseman, opened the season by hitting in 11 straight games. After a hitless outing ended that streak, Cantu hit safely in eight straight games before going 0-for-4 Wednesday night in Toronto. The second-year man has been held hitless just twice in 21 games, and he's hitting .291 with three homers and 10 RBI for the season.

His 0-for-4 night on Wednesday was the first time all season he had failed to reach base in a game. He had managed to reach base in all 20 games prior to Wednesday's.

4/27/2005

Jonny Gomes, tam

Gomes homered in just his seventh at-bat with the Devil Rays this season. The power prospect, recalled last Thursday, drilled a three-run homer in the Rays' 7-5 loss to Toronto Tuesday. In three games, Gomes is 3-for-8 with a homer, four runs scored and three RBI.

The homer was the first of Gomes' major league career. In parts of three seasons with the Rays, the 24-year-old prospect is 6-for-37 (.162) with a homer and 13 strikeouts in 16 games.

4/25/2005

Charles Johnson, tam

Johnson left in the third inning of Tampa Bay's Sunday matinee against Boston because of a sore shoulder. The veteran catcher underwent an MRI exam after the game, and a trip to the disabled list is a possibility.

Johnson has been productive as Tampa Bay's part-time catcher, going 4-for-11 (.364) with two doubles, four walks and a .533 on-base percentage in six games.

Kevin Cash, tam

With Charles Johnson possibly headed to the disabled list with a sore throwing shoulder, Cash could be activated from the DL to take his place. Cash has been on the disabled list with shoulder and neck problems since the end of spring training.

Bringing Cash back appears to be the more likely scenario, although he hasn't yet gone out on a minor league rehab assignment. The Rays could bring up either Pete Laforest or Tim Laker from Triple-A Durham, but neither is on the 40-man roster, and the Rays would have to drop another player to activate one of them.

4/23/2005

Jae Seo, tam

Seo was called up by the Mets on Saturday from Triple-A Norfolk to take the place of injured Kazuhisa Ishii. Seo will start on Saturday against the Nationals.

Seo was 5-10 with a 4.90 ERA for the Mets in 2004.

4/22/2005

Jonny Gomes, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays recalled Gomes from Triple-A Durham on Thursday. According to the local newspapers, the power-hitting outfield prospect will be in the starting lineup against the Boston Red Sox Friday. Gomes had hit .315 with five homers and 20 RBI in 14 games for Durham.

The Rays demoted righthander John Webb to make room for Gomes on the roster.

4/21/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Since receiving a cortisone shot in his ailing right shoulder on Monday, Branyan has been absent from the Brewers' lineup. The third baseman, who has been battling soreness in the shoulder for more than a week, should be available as early as Friday, according to manager Ned Yost. Until that time, Jeff Cirillo likely will get most of the starts at the hot corner for Milwaukee.

Branyan's power never has been doubted, but he's failed to remain in the major leagues on a consistent basis, primarily because he strikes out too often. He has 83 homers in 456 career games, but has fanned 523 times over that span. In nine contests this season, he is batting .276 with two home runs, seven RBI and 10 strikeouts in 29 at-bats.

Rob Bell, tam

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have reshuffled their rotation with Mark Hendrickson going on the disabled list. The Rays have added John Webb and Doug Waechter to the starting five, and Bell has been moved to the bullpen. In three starts this season, Bell is 1-1 with a 10.80 ERA and 2.03 WHIP.

4/20/2005

Casey Fossum, tam

Fossum looked like a solid candidate to pick up a spot start for Tampa Bay, after Mark Hendrickson went on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder ailment. But the Rays recalled John Webb to start Wednesday night against Texas, in place of Hendrickson, and Doug Waechter will get a spot start on the weekend to give other starters enough rest between outings.

In four relief appearances for Tampa Bay, Fossum is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts over eight innings.

Doug Waechter, tam

Recalled a few days ago, Waechter looked like a solid candidate to start in place of injured Mark Hendrickson on Wednesday night against Texas. Instead, the Devil Rays recalled John Webb to make that Wednesday start. Still, Waechter will start on Saturday against Boston and Rob Bell will be moved to the bullpen. Waechter very well could stick in the Rays' rotation.

Waechter has made one relief appearance since his recall, tossing three scoreless innings of one-hit ball against Boston on Sunday. He'll try to duplicate that magic on Saturday.

4/18/2005

Rob Bell, tam

With Mark Hendrickson bothered by shoulder stiffness, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have moved up Bell's next start by a day. The 28-year-old righthander will pitch against the Yankees on Monday night on three days' rest. Bell is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in a pair of 2005 starts.

If Hendrickson can't go on Tuesday in Bell's regular spot, the Rays will have to call on Casey Fossum or Doug Waechter for a spot start.

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu's season-opening hitting streak stalled at 11 games on Sunday. The 23-year-old second baseman is hitting .313 with three doubles, three homers, six runs scored and eight RBI in the first 12 games of Tampa Bay's season.

4/16/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Branyan was held out of the Brewers' lineup on Saturday because of a sore throwing shoulder. Veteran Jeff Cirillo will get the starts at third base for Milwaukee until Branyan is ready to go again. Consider Branyan as day-to-day.

4/14/2005

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu, a young prospect who secured the second-base job when Roberto Alomar retired this spring, has hit safely in all eight games for Tampa Bay. The 23-year-old infielder is batting .333 (11-for-33) with three homers, five runs scored and seven RBI on the season.

As a rookie with the Rays in 2004, Cantu batted .301 and slugged .462 in 50 games. He stroked 20 doubles and two homers while knocking in 17 runs.

4/13/2005

Charles Johnson, tam

On Tuesday, Johnson returned from a five-day personal leave from the Tampa Bay club, and he has been placed on the active roster. Johnson will press Toby Hall for playing time behind the plate.

The Rays designated Tim Laker for assignment to make room for Johnson, who batted .236 with 13 homers and 47 RBI in 109 games with the Rockies in 2004.

Chris Singleton, tam

If the Devil Rays decide to stick with Joey Gathright as a starter and keep Alex Sanchez as fourth outfielder when he returns from his drug suspension, Singleton probably would be the odd man out in terms of who is cut from the 25-man roster to make room for Sanchez' return.

Singleton is 3-for-13 (.231) with two runs scored and no extra-base hits in six games with Tampa Bay.

4/11/2005

Russell Branyan, tam

Branyan took a pair of Kip Wells' pitches deep -- one in the second inning and the other in the fourth -- to notch two home runs in Monday's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brewers' third baseman, who has at least one hit in each of his five games this season, is batting .381 with two doubles, two home runs and seven RBI. He now has 10 multihomer games in his major league career.

Branyan's power never has been doubted, but he's failed to remain in the major leagues on a consistent basis, primarily because he strikes out too often. He has 83 homers in 456 career games, but has fanned 523 times over that span. As long as he doesn't fall into a slump, Branyan should get the majority of the starts at the hot corner for the Brewers this season.

4/8/2005

Charles Johnson, tam

Johnson has yet to rejoin the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, so the club has placed him on the restricted list without pay. The veteran catcher, who signed a one-year contract earlier this week, left the team late Wednesday to attend to a personal matter, and a timetable for his return has not been set. The Devil Rays purchased the contract of Tim Laker to serve as a backup to Toby Hall in Johnson's absence.

Johnson, who began spring training with the Colorado Rockies, was traded to Boston last week and eventually was released by the Red Sox. He then inked with the Devil Rays. Once he rejoins the club, he'll serve as Hall's backup behind the plate.

4/7/2005

Jorge Cantu, tam

Cantu is proving why the Tampa Bay Devil Rays plan for him to be the team's second baseman of the future -- as well as the present. Through the first three games of the 2005 campaign, the 23-year-old infielder is 5-for-11 with two home runs -- one in each of his last two games -- and five RBI.

Cantu impressed in his major league debut last season, batting .301 and slugging .462 with 20 doubles in 50 games after being recalled in July. He had a breakout season at Triple-A Durham, hitting .302 with 33 doubles, 22 home runs and 80 RBI in 95 games there.

4/6/2005

Charles Johnson, tam

Johnson was slated to start Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, but was scratched just prior to the first pitch after asking the Devil Rays for a leave of absence. Reportedly, the veteran catcher will remain with the club through Wednesday's contest, but will leave after to attend to some personal issues. If Johnson does not return by noon on Friday, he will be placed on the restricted list without pay, according to general manager Chuck LaMar.

Toby Hall will remain behind the plate for the Devil Rays. Johnson, who began spring training with the Colorado Rockies, was traded to Boston last week and eventually was released by the Red Sox. He then signed a one-year deal with the Devil Rays to serve as a backup to Hall. Tampa has an off-day on Thursday.

4/5/2005

Justin Miller, tam

After clearing waivers, Miller will be sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse by the Toronto Blue Jays. The righthander appeared in eight exhibition games this spring, allowing four runs on nine hits in nine innings. He struck out nine batters and walked three.

4/4/2005

Charles Johnson, tam

Johnson has signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, agreeing to a one-year contract. The veteran catcher, who began spring training with the Colorado Rockies, was traded to Boston last week and eventually was released by the Red Sox. He is slated to serve as a backup to Toby Hall behind the plate.

The 33-year-old Johnson, who is a four-time Gold Glove winner, batted .236 with 13 home runs and 47 RBI in 109 games with Colorado last season.

Chris Singleton, tam

Singleton will handle the center-field duties for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Opening Day, replacing Alex Sanchez, who was suspended for 10 days for violating the league's new drug policy. Singleton appeared in 18 exhibition games this spring, batting .267 with two doubles, one triple, seven RBI and a stolen base.

Singleton should get the majority of the starts in Sanchez' absence, but Joey Gathright could get the call as well. Singleton did not play organized baseball last season.