Rays Report

See who gets the thumbs up for the day.

By MARC TOPKIN
Published April 16, 2007

Number of the day

Since making his major-league debut Aug. 29, Delmon Young has 57 hits. Only four players have had more in that span: Garret Atkins (61); Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Hanley Ramirez (60). Jimmy Rollins also has 57.

Quote of the day

"We have to be like little red rubber balls."

Manager Joe Maddon, on how the Rays have to bounce back after poor outings

Thumbs up

Whether reacting to what Rocco Baldelli said Saturday or just rebounding naturally, it was important for the Rays' confidence and attitude to bounce back with a strong overall game, and Jae Seo got them off to a good start.

Today: Rays vs. O's

When/where: 7:10; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

TV/radio: Ch. 66; 1250-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers: Orioles - LHP Adam Loewen (1-0, 1.80) vs. RHP James Shields (1-0, 4.61)

Rays tickets: $8-$210. Available at Tropicana Field box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, devilrays.com.

Rays info: (727) 825-3250

Watch for ...

All right: The Rays may be eager to see Adam Loewen on the mound. They are 3-0 against left-handed starters (as opposed to 2-7 vs. right-handers after Sunday's victory) but are hitting equally against both (.280). Loewen is 2-1 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts against the Rays.

Jumpin' James: Rays starter James Shields is coming off a strong win in Texas on Wednesday when he struck out a career-high eight over seven innings. Shields has two no-decisions and a 5.25 ERA against the O's.

New look: The layout of the new Tropicana Field scoreboard has been tweaked.

On deck

Tuesday: Orioles, 7:10, Ch. 66. Rays - Casey Fossum (0-1, 7.59); Orioles - Steve Trachsel (0-0, 2.63)

Wednesday: Orioles, 3:10, No TV. Rays - Scott Kazmir (1-1, 4.95); Orioles Erik Bedard (2-1, 5.09)

Thursday: Off

Friday: Indians 7:10, FSN. Both pitchers TBA.

[Last modified April 16, 2007, 06:59:47]