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The Rays are still inconclusive on what the next step will be concerning Matt Moore's torn UCL, as Wednesday's MRI with Dr. Andrews was done to see how much is torn and what damage is new vs. existing. Joe Maddon and crew seem very hesitant to commit to Tommy John surgery,
"What (executive VP Andrew Friedman) wanted to do was discuss it in more depth (today) based on the results as we get them," Maddon said. "We need to get all the facts and see how we want to proceed with this, see if surgery is necessary, if it's not necessary, we're still waiting to find out."
Maddon included that if the surgery seems to be the best option, it won't take place today.
***
After appearing in yesterday's 7-3 loss for a scoreless seventh inning, Jeff Beliveau was optioned back to Durham and a position player is expected to arrive in Cincinnati to join the team for the series agains thte Reds. Vince Belnome and Kevin Kiermaier seem like the likely candidates for selection.
The Rays also haven't made a decision on who will take Moore's spot in the rotation, with Sunday's start going to either Erik Bedard or Cesar Ramos. Per Marc Topkin, "Neither is stretched out enough to work deep into a game, but Maddon said the issue is as much based on conversations about contingency plans they had with both this spring: 'We really try to adhere to what we tell ... our players.'"
Quote of the day:
"If you're not second, you're seventh. I moved Ricky down."
- Maddon's take on moving Wil "Ricky Bobby" Myers down in the batting order
Links:
- The Rays aren't the only ones taking issue with the new secured possession rule, as Terry Francona challenged what was deemed a "no-catch" by old pal Elliot Johnson:
<iframe src='http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=31940799&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb' width='400' height='224' frameborder='0'>Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>
Piece up on this later today.
- ICYMI: The Braves accidentally set the American flag ablazing during their home opener:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Atlanta Braves lit an American flag on fire at their home opener <a href="http://t.co/AZDQSCOubL">http://t.co/AZDQSCOubL</a> <a href="http://t.co/od6HTUmMiF">pic.twitter.com/od6HTUmMiF</a></p>— For The Win (@forthewin) <a href="https://twitter.com/forthewin/statuses/453979001040564227">April 9, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
- Not Rays related, but another enjoyable piece from Gabe Kapler, this time discussing where the Nationals should bat Bryce Harper.