The Rays seek to rebound from Tuesday's tough loss with an early start today, and a different look to their lineup. Most different - Ben Zobrist starting in rightfield and Jonny Gomes at DH.
Manager Joe Maddon said it was as much as matter of wanting to see Zobrist in rightfield as anything, though he also said Gomes has been sick the last few days. Plus, Gomes has struggled the last few times he has been in the field.
INF Willy Aybar's return could be delayed a day with the threat of rain forcing him to play another day at Triple-A Durham, which means Zobrist's expected demotion to Triple-A could be delayed a day.
2B Akinori Iwamura has a bandage on his knee after being clipped during a double play on Tuesday but is fine, Maddon said.
Finally, Jason Bartlett is hitting sixth.
Today's lineup:
Rays
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Bartlett, ss
Gomes, dh
Riggans, c
Zobrist, rf
Garza, p
Rangers
Kinsler, 2b
Young, ss
Hamilton, cf
Bradley, dh
Murphy, rf
Boggs, lf
Catalanotto, 1b
Saltalamacchia, c
Vazquez, 3b
Gabbard, p
Joe Maddon, Johnny Damon and Evan Longoria are only some of the Rays you'll meet through our new video interview series. Don't see your favorite player yet? Check back often, as we'll add to the series as the season progresses.
