Rays clear spot for Reyes

The closer is expected to come off the disabled list today.

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA
Published July 18, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - The Rays made the first of what could be several roster moves over the next few days after Tuesday's win over the Angels, optioning left-handed reliever Jon Switzer to Triple-A Durham to make room for closer Al Reyes, who will be activated from the disabled list today.

"We had to choose somebody and we did," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I talked to Switz about the fact that obviously we didn't give him ample opportunity at this time. He did some great work in Triple A this year. Just get back on the horse and see what happens down the road."

Reyes, on the DL since July 4 with a mild rotator cuff strain, threw 22 pitches in a one-inning rehab assignment at Class A Vero Beach on Monday and used all his pitches.

"It's different when you throw batting practice and then you face hitters in a real game," said Reyes, who has converted 17 of 18 save opportunities this season. "In the game you have more adrenaline. That's why I was trying to go down to the minor leagues and pitch an inning. That way I can get my confidence back. I feel ready to go. That way I can feel 100 percent when I come up there."

Switzer pitched 11/3 innings over three games since he was called up to replace Reyes, allowing five runs. Switzer shined at Durham: 0.41 ERA in 22 innings with 16 strikeouts and one walk.

"I think it's a product of circumstance," Switzer said. "I saw it coming. I wasn't throwing a lot. It's not a surprise and it's not necessarily bad to go back down and get some regular work. I've been doing this train since '03, so I'm a little used to it. They know what I'm capable of doing. They saw last year. The opportunity just wasn't there this time."

The Rays will continue their roster shuffle over the weekend. The team will recall one or two pitchers from Durham to pitch in a day-night doubleheader Saturday in New York.

LHP J.P. Howell, who had been the Rays' fifth starter and allowed two runs on five hits over six innings Monday at Durham, will start one of those games, Maddon said.

The Rays could look to Durham for the other starter, possibly RHP Jae Kuk Ryu, or turn to their bullpen and RHP Jason Hammel, a converted starter. Regardless, they could option a position player to make room for the first pitcher, then option the pitcher back to Durham and bring back Howell, saving a roster spot.

ROCCO UPDATE: OF Rocco Baldelli, sidelined since mid May with a left hamstring strain, said he is getting closer to returning to action but couldn't put a timetable on when he will be back on the field.

He was clear, however, on how much harder he is working, having started on an extensive weightlifting program to strengthen his legs. Baldelli said he stayed away from weights the past two years because his legs were often sore.

"We're taking a more aggressive approach with weights," Baldelli said. "I'm doing all kinds of things I didn't want to do (before)."

Baldelli has resumed throwing, hitting and running but is not yet ready to do so on an everyday basis. "I'm not sure when, but I fully plan on being back before the end of the season," Baldelli said.

MISCELLANY: With his third-inning single, Rays 1B Carlos Pena extended his career-high hitting streak to 13 games, tying the team's season high. ... RF Delmon Young extended his hitting streak to nine games. ... RHP James Shields has gone seven or more innings in 14 of his 20 starts this season. ... Rays second-round draft pick RHP Will Kline made his professional debut Monday: two scoreless innings, one hit and one strikeout at Class A Columbus.

[Last modified July 18, 2007, 02:19:43]