Strong Shields: Shields leads the Rays staff with 10 quality starts, including his last one, a no-decision against the Marlins in which he gave up three runs in 6 2/3 innings. He is 4-2 with a 3.07 ERA in eight career starts against the Jays.
Say hey Ricky: Romero has won his past two starts, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth in his last outing, a 6-1 win over the Phillies. The 2005 first-round pick has done well in his rookie season and fared well at home, going 4-1 with a 2.90 ERA.
Key matchups
vs. Shields
Barajas 2-for-12
Millar11-for-30
Rios5-for-22
Scutaro3-for-22
vs. Romero
Has never faced Rays
On deck
Thursday: Off
Friday: at Rangers, 8:05, FSN. Rays — Scott Kazmir (4-4, 7.28); Rangers — Derek Holland (1-5, 6.20)
Saturday: at Rangers, 8:05, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (2-2, 3.93); Rangers — Tommy Hunter (0-1, 3.86)
Sunday: at Rangers, 8:05, ESPN. Rays — Jeff Niemann (7-4, 3.95); Rangers — Vicente Padilla (6-4, 4.75)
Monday: Off
All-Star picks of the day
Veteran baseball writer Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated gave his picks for the All-Star teams "based on purely merit, not on popularity," Tuesday on SI.com and four Rays were on his list. Verducci selected 3B Evan Longoria, SS Jason Bartlett and LF Carl Crawford as starters and 2B Ben Zobrist as a reserve.
Ex-Ray of the day
Ex-Ray Eric Hinske, left,was traded Tuesday from the Pirates to the Yankees, meaning his former Tampa Bay teammates should see him more often down the stretch. "He's gonna bring a lot to that team, the clubhouse, versatility at several different positions," manager Joe Maddon said. Hinske has now played for every AL East team except the Orioles.
Quote of the day
"I guess we're more of an Obama-kind of offense right now."
Manager Joe Maddon on how "liberal" his offense is, as far as being aggressive on the basepaths and not doing things conventionally.
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