Lowe's next foe: Yes, it's the Rays

© St. Petersburg Times
published April 30, 2002

MINNEAPOLIS -- You'd figure the last person the Rays would want to see anytime soon is Boston's Derek Lowe, who no-hit them Saturday at Fenway Park.

Through a combination of the schedule and a reshuffling of the Red Sox rotation, Lowe's next start is scheduled for Saturday -- against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Lowe not only threw extremely well during the no-hitter, he frustrated and confused the Rays by mixing his pitches, changing locations and varying pitch speeds.

But manager Hal McRae said the Rays shouldn't be intimidated to face him again.

"The preceding start to this start doesn't really mean anything," McRae said. "He was on and he pitched really well, but that doesn't mean he'll pitch well this time around.

"Our hitters have seen him at his best, so they know what to expect. I don't think he has a psychological advantage. Our guys are eager to turn the tables. I like our chances."

Though it is unusual for a pitcher to face the team he no-hit in his next start, it is not unprecedented. Of the 35 pitchers who have thrown no-hitters since 1990, four faced the same team their next time out.

Two followed their no-nos with victories: Philadelphia's Tommy Greene beat Montreal twice in 1991; and Boston's Hideo Nomo beat Baltimore twice last season. In 1991, Texas' Nolan Ryan lost to Toronto in the rematch, and in 1994 Minnesota's Scott Erickson got roughed up by the Brewers in his next start.

The shuffling of the Red Sox rotation also means the Rays won't see Boston ace Pedro Martinez, who pitches Wednesday against Baltimore.

That's good news for the Tampa Bay hitters, given Martinez's 4-1 record at the Trop. But it's bad for the marketing folks, who were hoping a Martinez start might add to the crowd.

ON THE MEND: Wilson Alvarez is eligible to come off the disabled list today but is at least a week, maybe several, away from returning to action.

With the strained muscle in his rib cage feeling better, Alvarez today will throw off the mound for the first time since the April 14 injury. He said he'd like to throw three sideline sessions and be activated May 6.

Team officials are likely to take a more conservative course. But Alvarez, who missed the two previous seasons with a shoulder injury, said he absolutely, positively doesn't want to go on a minor-league rehab assignment.

"If I have to go into the bullpen for a little while, I'll do that," he said. "But I don't want to go on a rehab. I don't think I need it."

SAUNDERS WINNER: Wesley Chapel High junior Justin Losh will receive the Tony Saunders Courage Award on Friday. The award, presented by the former Rays pitcher, goes to an area student/athlete who best exemplifies Saunders' "courage, character, competitive desire and fighting spirit." Losh, who has cerebral palsy, is student-manager for the school football team and has a 3.667 GPA. He receives a $2,500 scholarship from the Rays of Hope Foundation.

VAUGHN REPORT: McRae thought about playing Greg Vaughn in the outfield to try to get him out of his season-long slump, but he probably won't make the move until the Rays play on grass during a mid May trip to New York, Baltimore, Seattle and Oakland.

MISCELLANY: Twins shortstop Cristian Guzman might miss the series due to a sore knee and a slump. ... McRae planned to play rookie Felix Escalona at third, but he stuck with Russ Johnson based on matchups. ... Ryan Rupe can set a team record with his fourth April win tonight.