McClung scheduled to resume throwing

ST. PETERSBURG - In Seth McClung's case, no news truly may be good news.

With results of a second MRI exam on his sore right elbow inconclusive, the promising young pitcher is scheduled to resume throwing today with hopes he could return in late July.

"I think what's going to happen is that he'll start throwing and we'll see where that takes us," manager Lou Piniella said. "How he responds to the throwing dictates what happens. We'll see how far we can go with it."

McClung, out since May 23, has thought of every possibility from surgery to a clean bill of health and is eager to give it a try and see what happens.

"I've been in a holding pattern," McClung said. "I'm very anxious. I'd like to know."

The plan could change if noted specialist Dr. James Andrews, who was sent a copy of the MRI results, disagrees.

There was other good injury news Tuesday:

Shortstop Rey Ordonez, out since May 9 with a sprained left knee, started taking batting and fielding practice and hopes to be activated during next week's road trip. "It's still a little sore but it's much better," Ordonez said.

Left-hander Joe Kennedy, out since June 1 with left shoulder inflammation, will resume throwing and could be ready by the end of next week.

PITCHING IN: Jason Standridge filled one hole in the rotation, and the Rays are expected to call up another pitcher from Triple A to start Saturday.

Rob Bell, 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA, would appear to be the leading candidate.

To make room for Standridge the Rays outrighted veteran Carlos Reyes to Durham, saying he would be more effective working out of the bullpen. Reyes was 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts and threw four scoreless relief innings Friday.

"I could see Carlos fitting in here in the long relief role in the future," Piniella said. "To me, that's the role he belongs in."

Reyes, 34, who returned to the majors after spending last season as a minor-league coach, said he expects to be back with the Rays this season.

"This ain't the last you'll see of Carlos Reyes," he said.

Double-A Orlando right-hander Brian Stokes, a top prospect who was a candidate for a promotion, is out indefinitely with an elbow injury that may need surgery.

DRAFT BREEZE: Rays officials met with top draft pick Delmon Young in Los Angeles on Monday but did not make an offer. "It was a great meeting," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "We talked about the general guidelines of the negotiations."

The Rays may have to sign Young, 17, to a major-league contract and give him a spot on the 40-man roster to spread out payments of what is likely to be a $4-million bonus. LaMar said talks with Young adviser Arn Tellum are expected to start in the next few days. Young graduates from high school Friday.

Eight others have signed and started working out at the minor-league complex: No. 14 LHP Aaron Gangi, No. 15 RHP Andrew Weimer, No. 25 CF Stephen Jones, No. 33 LHP Jordan Olson, No. 38 SS Kristopher Dufner, No. 42 2B Travis Beech and No. 50 C Brent Speigner.

MISCELLANY: Third-base coach Tom Foley was ejected for arguing the call when Travis Lee was picked off third in the fourth. First-base coach Billy Hatcher went to third, with Terry Shumpert, then John McLaren, taking first. ... Toby Hall had a 15-pitch at-bat in the seventh, including 11 consecutive foul balls. ... With Pete LaForest and Matt Diaz promoted, veterans Chad Mottola (who was hitting .258 with six homers and 28 RBIs), Jay Canizaro and Charlie Greene were released from Durham. ... Bucs coach Jon Gruden watched the game from Vince Naimoli's box. ... LPGA star Nancy Lopez, the wife of Reds coach Ray Knight, was in the stands. ... Autograph Saturday sessions will resume this week. ... Reliever Juan Acevedo, released by the Yankees, could be a possibility for the Rays.