• 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.

RAYS 6, New York 3 Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY

Continue reading this post »

RAYS 13, New York 4 Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY

For my thoughts on the game, please follow the jump

Continue reading this post »

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.

• The Tampa Tribune reports that the hairline fracture in IF Ben Zobrist's left thumb still has not healed; it is an ailment that could keep him out until mid-April. Zobrist will be checked out again on Monday.
• According to the same article, OF Jonny Gomes is scheduled to make his first start of the season tonight in Baltimore. He will be the third right fielder the Rays have used in as many games. Gomes' only plate appearance this season came last night as a pinch hitter for Cliff Floyd in the ninth; he popped out into shallow center to end the game. Gomes also saw the appellate hearing for his two-game suspension postponed until Monday in New York, making him eligible for play through the weekend.
  
• Shawn Riggans and Elliot Johnson will make their first starts of the season on Saturday in New York. They will be the Catcher and Designated Hitter, respectively, and will face Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte.
• Meanwhile, Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times says that RHP Grant Balfour has cleared waivers and will be given an outright assignment to the bullpen in AAA Durham. Whether he accepts that outright assignment is not yet known, though the Times reports that he stands to collect a $175,000 salary should he do so.
• Lastly, Marc Lancaster of the Tribune writes that chances are less than good that tonight's game against the Orioles will be played, thanks to a 90% chance of rain. Lancaster further speculates that the make-up opportunities for a rain-out today could be slim, with August 21st being the only logical one in his mind as it is a mutual off day.