Rays/MLB

Surgery seems likely for Gomes

By MARC TOPKIN
Published August 26, 2006

BALTIMORE - Jonny Gomes is accepting the idea that his season might be over due to a worsening right shoulder injury.

"I gave it a run," Gomes said. "I tried. I tried to battle through it. I've never missed games because of injury. I want to be in there. But it's just catching up to me, and in a team sport, I'm hurting the team."

Gomes is scheduled to be examined by Tim Kremchek, the Reds' chief orthopedic surgeon, on Monday in Cincinnati and said it seems likely he will be shut down for the season and scheduled for surgery.

Gomes has been unable to play the outfield for several months due to the injury, the specifics of which are not clear. He said that as it has worsened, the limited mobility impacted his ability to take a normal swing, which could be a primary reason for his extended slump - a .124 average and only two home runs since the All-Star break.

If Kremchek recommends surgery, Gomes is likely to have it sooner rather than later to make sure he is ready for next season.

"I'm looking at this as good news because I'm going to get it fixed," he said.

Manager Joe Maddon said it was possible Gomes could be used as the designated hitter today or Sunday.

WITT'S NEW START: Kevin Witt didn't know if he'd get back to the big leagues, figuring all he could do was his part, which was to put up good numbers at Triple A.

And after hitting 36 homers, more than any minor-leaguer, and driving in an International League-high 99 runs for Durham, Witt, 30, got the opportunity when the Rays traded Russell Branyan to San Diego late Thursday, and started at first Friday in his first appearance in the majors since 2003.

"I was hoping," Witt said. "There's no guarantees. I know how it is. I know how the business works. I had heard things here and there, but I wasn't counting on anything. I was just trying to finish off the year good. I was trying to win the IL MVP. I thought that would be a pretty good achievement."

Witt's exceptional numbers were not the only thing that made his stay at Durham interesting. He had a close-up view of the controversy and conflicts involving top prospects B.J. Upton, Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes.

"It was, uh, different," Witt said. "It was a struggle. Obviously, those kids are young down there, and they are going to say - we all say stupid things and do stupid things when we're young. Unfortunately for them, they were doing it at the Triple-A level.

"Now B.J.'s up here, and I haven't been around him since. I know Delmon made a big adjustment in how he's been handling himself down there. He's really turned around down there. And he's really learned from his mistakes. Hopefully."

GETTING WIGGY: Infielder Ty Wigginton continues to move closer to a comeback, taking about 45 swings at balls tossed to him underhand with no problems from the fractured left hand that has sidelined him since late July.

Wigginton will progress to live batting in the indoor tunnel today then to regular pregame batting practice on Tuesday. Wigginton, who has more discomfort fielding than hitting, said he could be ready in a few days, which could work out well if Gomes goes on the disabled list. But officially, the Rays are talking about waiting until Friday, when rosters expand to 40 players.

"I think that seems like a long way off," Wigginton said.

MINOR MATTERS: Shortstop Reid Brignac, who already was named MVP of the Class A California League, went 5-for-5 for Double-A Montgomery on Thursday. The Biscuits extended their division lead to three games. ... Left-hander Chris Seddon improved to 9-7 at Durham, and Brian Stokes, who could be considered for a September promotion, pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

MISCELLANY: Maddon plans to rest Rocco Baldelli today and Carl Crawford on Sunday. ... Maddon said he expects another five or so players to be called up, though probably not until after the Sept. 4 end of Durham's season. ... Witt is the 45th player used by the Rays this season. The team record is 52 set in 2000. ... Maddon plans to watch from the dugout as old friend Doug DeCinces and Chris Hoiles are inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony today.

[Last modified August 26, 2006, 02:19:43]