Baldelli misses rehab start

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published August 24, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - CF Rocco Baldelli had at least a slight misstep, if not a setback, in his scheduled return to the Rays when he was scratched from a rehab-game start Thursday because of soreness in his legs.

Baldelli, out since mid May with hamstring problems, was expected to start for Class A Vero Beach and play three to four innings in center, his first action in the field. He was the designated hitter Monday and Tuesday, going 0-for-5, and was off Wednesday to rest.

The Rays said the problem was not related to his hamstrings, but they won't know until he is re-evaluated today when he will resume playing or whether this will delay his projected return on or shortly after Sept. 1.

"There's really no absolute finish line in sight that we have to have him back by a certain date," manager Joe Maddon said. "The infamous 'err on the side of caution' right now is in effect."

Baldelli was scheduled to DH for Vero Beach tonight then move up to Triple-A Durham.

ACTION JACKSON: Maddon cited two primary reasons for RHP Edwin Jackson's impressive turnaround, in which he is 4-4 with a 3.47 ERA in his past 12 starts after going 0-8, 8.20 in his first 12.

"He's breathing on the mound. He's under control. That would be the one thing," Maddon said. "The next biggest thing is that he's using all of his pitches. I'm seeing more of the slider come into the mix; the changeup's in the mix. He's just not out there trying to stuff fastballs the whole game."

As much as Jackson has done, Maddon said, C Josh Paul "has been influential in this also by showing imagination in regard to (pitch) calling."

With Paul behind the plate, Jackson's ERA is 2.60, with 42 hits (including one homer), 21 walks and 32 strikeouts in 45 innings. With other catchers, Jackson has a 7.15 ERA with 102 hits (11 homers), 46 walks and 67 strikeouts in 78 innings.

RUDDY'S RETURN: A's reliever Ruddy Lugo was excited to return to Tropicana Field though still unsure what led to his unexpected departure from the organization in June.

Lugo had been pitching well at Triple-A Durham (2-1, 1.84 ERA) after his demotion May 6 but was designated for assignment when the Rays needed a 40-man roster spot for Jay Witasick, and Tim Corcoran was injured.

"I don't know why," Lugo said. "I don't know the reasoning. I thought I might have p---ed somebody off. ... But I also have to thank them for giving me a chance to be in the big leagues. Everybody treated me well here, and I can't complain."

After struggling earlier with the A's, who claimed him on waivers, Lugo - who worked a scoreless ninth Thursday - is 2-0, 1.50 in his past seven games.

MISCELLANY: RF Delmon Young tied and surpassed Baldelli's team rookie record with his 14th and 15th assists, but extended his hitting skid to 0-for-18. ... The Rays allowed 10 or more runs for a major-league high 21st time. ... Witasick is pitching well on rehab at Triple-A Durham but might not be back until the Sept. 1 roster expansion. ... CF B.J. Upton is featured on the latest FSN Inside the Rays, debuting 1 p.m. Sunday. ... Double-A Montgomery RHP Chris Mason won his Southern League-most 14th game, one shy of the organization season record of 15, shared by Columbus' Lewis Rollins and Andy Sonnanstine. ... The Rays are 11-31 in series openers.

[Last modified August 24, 2007, 01:27:25]