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Mike DiFelice

#20 / Catcher / Tampa Bay Rays

6-2

205

R

R

May 28, 1969

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2008 - Mike DiFelice 7 20 1 6 1 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 .300 .364 .350

4/21: News & Notes

  • The Jeff Niemann move last night wasn't the only one the Rays appeared set to make. Though Niemann was pushed out to clear room for 1B Dan Johnson in the immediate, the team will also activate C Dioner Navarro following the conclusion of his rehab assignment tonight for Vero Beach. To make room for Navarro, it looks like C Mike DiFelice has lost out on the battle for the backup catcher's position to Shawn Riggans. Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times reports that DiFelice was seen saying goodbye and hugging teammates following the conclusion of Sunday's game. He could be claimed on waivers as a result of the Rays' having removed him from the active roster.
  • In addition, with RHP Matt Garza also soon to return, Topkin speculates that OF Justin Ruggiano will be sent down later this week to make room for him. RHP Andy Sonnanstine was moved forward in the rotation one day to fill Niemann's slot, while it appears as though Garza will start the opening game of the Boston series on Friday. Also on the injury front, IF Ben Zobrist took BP at the Naimoli Complex, but is still a few weeks from returning.
  • Some snippets from Marc Lancaster's Notes column in the Tribune:
  • The Rays say they are expecting attendance for the three-game series at Disney that begins Tuesday to be similar to last year's numbers. Three games against the Rangers last May drew an average of 8,806 fans. ... With Johnson joining the team, Maddon said he may give Carlos Pena another game or two at DH to make sure his right hamstring is fully healthy. Pena still appeared to be favoring his leg Sunday. ... The Rays are not believed to have serious interest in Frank Thomas, who was released by the Blue Jays on Sunday.

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4/15: New York 5, RAYS 3

New York 5, RAYS 3

Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg, FL


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
New York 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 5 8 0
RAYS 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 10 0

Win Probability Table and Stats Courtesy of Fan Graphs

Three Up
Player WPA
DH Jonny Gomes .101
C Mike DiFelice .065
RP J.P. Howell .064
Three Down
Player WPA
SP Edwin Jackson
-.315
LF Carl Crawford
-.149
CF B.J. Upton
-.144

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Navarro Placed on 15 Day DL; DiFelice Recalled

Per the Rays Postgame Show, Dioner Navarro will go to the 15 Day Disabled List due to the lacerated finger that he suffered during today's game. Navarro was forced to leave the game early after attempting to break a fall in the dugout by grabbing onto the netting. It was this netting that caused the injury.

To replace Navarro on the active roster, the Rays have recalled C Mike DiFelice from AAA Durham. DiFelice was removed from the Bulls' game tonight in Toledo early after word of the injury got to Fifth Third Field. He will be in Yankee Stadium starting tomorrow afternoon to back up Shawn Riggans. Whenever DiFelice does indeed play in a game, it will be his first appearance on the field in a Rays uniform since July of 2001.

Meanwhile, Riggans takes over as the presumptive starter following the injury. Hopefully he will make the most of the opportunity and prove himself in the Major Leagues after running into some poor luck in previous years due to injury.

The Rays did not have to designate anyone for assignment in order to make room for DiFelice on the 40 man roster. Instead, they moved RHP Juan Salas to the restricted list to free up space. Salas, who is still stuck in the Dominican Republic with visa problems, is supposedly working out at the team's complex in that country, but missed all of spring training.

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This was recorded on the night of June 30, the first win of a 3-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox.

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     Without further adieu I would like to say thanks for all of the Rays fans for their hospitable attitudes by letting me take part in the blogging / posting of commentary over the past five weeks.  For the most part I've been a small time contributor but I read (the posts) and view (the pics) w/unbridled enthusiasm.  I've read a number of different major league ballclub posts and none come close to the rants, imagination, imagery etc. that Rays fans contribute.
     Yes, yes, yes...I am a true BLUE (and orange) METS fan.  I am dealing w/the current anaemic play / management of the ballclub in the best way I know how.  Anger and apathy.  On many attempts I've tried to assuage the beleagured METS fans of their hopelessness and downright negativity w/creative pics like those I witness on the Rays blog.  Alas, to no avail.  You would think that a fan base that has roots in New York would be up for having some fun during such trying times.  But that ain't the case.  My fellow METS fans are extremely uptight and sometimes downright dull.  That's why I enjoy eavesdropping on the Rays blog.  IT'S JUST SO DAMN FUN!  I think the only team that keeps up w/you in shear numbers of posts are the...CHICAGO CUBS...(and they hate pictures too)...oy veh.
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