Tampabay.com
JULY 18, 2009

For starters, Rays-Royals, with Aybar at second

UPDATE, 6:02: Manager Joe Maddon said he put Aybar at second because he wanted to get him some at-bats, and that it was a good opportunity to do so, figuring Scott Kazmir is primarily a fly ball pitcher to the difference in defense at second base between Aybar and Ben Zobrist won't be much of a factor. And he said he doesn't consider there to be a difference between Zobrist and Gabe Gross in rightfield.

He also said Dioner Navarro will return behind the plate Sunday, then be off again on Monday as the Rays seek to monitor him a bit.

NEWS: The Rays are looking to make it two straight against the Royals tonight.

They'll have a slightly different look against K.C. ace Zack Greinke, with Willy Aybar at second and Ben Zobrist in right.
 
As expected, Michel Hernandez will be behind the plate rather than Dioner Navarro.

The lineup:
Upton, cf
Crawford, lf
Longoria, 3b
Pena, 1b
Zobrist, rf
Burrell, dh
Aybar, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Hernandez, c
Kazmir, p

And for the Royals:
DeJesus lf
Bloomquist cf
Butler 1b
Guillen dh
Teahen rf
Olivo c
Gordon 3b
Callaspo 2b
Bentancourt ss
Greinke p

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

Advertisement


Meet the Rays

show linked image 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.

Baseball Headlines from AP

Comment Policy

Please be sure your comments are appropriate before submitting them. Inappropriate comments include content that:
Is libelous
Is abusive, harassing, or threatening
Is obscene, vulgar, or profane
Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive
Is illegal or encourages criminal acts
Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution
Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others
Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious)
Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises
The Tampa Bay Times does not edit posts but reserves the right to delete comments that violate our policy.