Rays/MLB

Lugo to play today; might stay long term

By MARC TOPKIN
Published July 26, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - Shortstop Julio Lugo said Tuesday he was close to returning to the Devil Rays lineup, that his bruised right middle finger was feeling better and he was "almost positive" he would play today.

He also could be closer to staying with the Rays long term.

There were indications Tuesday night that the Rays were further exploring efforts to sign Lugo to a multiyear contract extension.

Lugo, a free agent at the end of the season, had been seeking a four- or five-year deal at $8-million to $10-million per, similar to what other top shortstops have gotten recently but may have to drop his price for there to be a deal. He has said he would be open to staying with the Rays but also that he knows what the market is.

The Rays had been talking previously about trading Lugo but apparently want to explore all options before making any decisions by Monday's 4 p.m. deadline for nonwaiver deals.

The Blue Jays are most interested but thus far don't want to give up what the Rays would likely want - two pitchers from a group that includes Jeremy Accardo, Brandon League, Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan and Francisco Rosario. The Red Sox are also believed to have considerable interest in Lugo.

If the Rays don't trade Lugo or sign him, they could keep him for the rest of the season and get draft pick compensation if he leaves as a free agent after the season.

Meanwhile, a Web site (signlugo. com) has been launched to gather fan support to encourage the team to re-sign Lugo.

Lugo said he injured the finger during batting practice before Saturday's game. He hit two homers in the fifth inning that night but left after that and has not played since. The Rays said Sunday he was just getting a day off to rest then Monday acknowledged he was injured.

"I feel fine," Lugo said before Tuesday's game. "The swelling has been going down, so I feel much better. I'll play (today)."

Lugo, who said X-rays showed no fracture, has been receiving a variety of treatments for the finger, including ice, heat and massage. He took some swings in the batting cage early Tuesday but later had his middle finger taped to his ring finger to keep it from moving.

Lugo said he hasn't paid much attention to the trade rumors.

"People say this stuff, but until the boss calls me in and tells me, 'Listen, you're traded,' I'm still a Devil Ray," Lugo said. "I like it here. I'm here."

Lugo said the finger is most bothersome when he tries to grab the ball to throw it.

Manager Joe Maddon, who said Lugo was still "a little bit sore," said he also expected Lugo back today: "What's the NFL thing - doubtful, questionable, probable? He's probable. I've got him playing. I'm pretty sure he's going to play."

MOVING DAY: After Carl Crawford went 1-for-8 in the leadoff spot and looked uncomfortable doing so, Maddon moved Rocco Baldelli to the top of the order, put Crawford back in his regular No. 2 spot and had Ty Wigginton third.

"Just to see what it looks like," he said. "Just to give it a test-drive."

Baldelli, hitting leadoff for the third time in his career, was 2-for-5, Crawford 0-for-4 and Wigginton 2-for-4.

COOL CASEY: Lefty Casey Fossum starts today having struck out nearly as many batters in his past four starts (24) as in his first 14 (29). The reason, he said, is the restoration of the slider to his repertoire. There has been some trade interest in Fossum, including from the Yankees.

MINOR MATTERS: Troubled Triple-A Durham prospect Elijah Dukes was ejected in the second inning Tuesday after being called out at first. ... Jeff Niemann, the Rays' top pick in the 2004 draft, picked up his first pro victory on Monday, allowing one hit over seven innings for Double-A Montgomery. Niemann, slowed by injuries in his first two seasons, took a no-hitter into the seventh, threw 50 of his 86 pitches for strikes and was clocked at 93-95 mph with his fastball. ... Outfielder Delmon Young on Monday hit his third homer of the season at Triple-A Durham.

MISCELLANY: Jonny Gomes ended an 0-for-16 and 1-for-38 skid with a second-inning single. ... All-Star Scott Kazmir is featured in the upcoming edition of Sports Illustrated. ... The Rays have lost the season series to the Angels for the seventh time in nine years.

- MARC TOPKIN, Times staff writer

[Last modified July 26, 2006, 06:13:23]