Red Sox rally past Rays in ninth

ST. PETERSBURG — Fernando Rodney was covered in camouflage on his way out of Tropicana Field on Thursday night, part of the team's latest wardrobe-themed road trip.

But after the Rays closer blew another save in a 4-3 loss to the Red Sox, many of those 16,055 at the Trop were probably wondering where the dominating All-Star from last year is hiding.

After walking the bases loaded in the ninth, Rodney, one strike away from sealing a victory, gave up a bases-clearing double to Will Middlebrooks to erase a two-run lead and put a sour end on a 6-4 homestand....

Torres on getting called up by Rays

LHP Alex Torres was sitting in his room Wednesday night with Triple A Durham teammate and roommate Alex Colome wondering if he'd get the call.
 
Both pitchers knew they could get brought up as a temporary fill-in for the Rays bullpen, taking roster spot of injured ace LHP David Price (triceps strain).

At midnight, Torres received word - it was him.

"I'm so happy," he said Thursday.

Torres, 25, has bounced back with a strong start this year after struggling last season. He said he gained confidence in winter ball and it's carried over, boosting his command. He had 49 strikeouts and just 14 walks w Durham this year.

Torres, who has had a few short stints in the big leagues the past two years, believes he's more prepared now.

"I think the confidence I have right now, that's the key," Torres said. "Last year I had all the pitches, but I didn't have that type of confidence. This year I can throw my slider, my change up in any count. That's why I've been able to throw the ball well at Triple A."...

Video: Rays place Price on DL, call up Torres

Update 5:15 p.m. Rays manager Joe Maddon said he really anticipates a normal or "minimal" DL stint for LHP David Price, who may miss 2-3 starts.

"I really do anticipate when he's well, he's going to be well for a long time," Maddon said. "We have plans of playing in October, and we're not getting there without him."

Maddon said they haven't decided on who will start Monday in Price's place, but will do so soon. RHP Jake Odorizzi is the most likely candidate, but Maddon said Chris Archer, Alex Colome and even recently-called up LHP Alex Torres are being considered. Archer would seem out since he's pitching tonight....

For starters, Rays vs. Red Sox, with Price on the mind

Update 3:23 p.m. The Rays have officially placed LHP David Price on the 15-day DL with a left triceps strain. LHP Alex Torres was called up from Triple-A Durham.

Developing: The Rays will wrap up a 10-game homestand tonight with a series finale against the Red Sox, but the key storyline remains the health of ace LHP David Price.

Price left in the third inning of Wednesday's start due to a left triceps strain, and while manager Joe Maddon didn't consider the injury serious, he acknowledged it was unlikely the All-Star would make his next start Monday....

Rays callup Torres shows more control

ST. PETERSBURG — LHP Alex Torres was in his room watching TV around midnight Wednesday with his Triple-A Durham roommate, RHP Alex Colome, when he got the call he was headed for the big leagues.

Both had seen on Twitter that the Rays might need a pitcher because of the injury to LHP David Price, who was put on the disabled list Thursday with a left triceps strain, and it could be either one of them....

Rays' Price goes on disabled list

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays left-hander David Price was frustrated and disappointed Thursday that he had to go on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his career.

But both Price, who has a left triceps strain, and the Rays were optimistic he won't be out long. Manager Joe Maddon anticipated a "minimal" DL stint, missing just 2-3 starts.

"I feel pretty good," Price said. "We're giving it a little time to calm down, and I will be out there in a couple weeks."...

Rays: Camo attire, ace high jinks, goodbye to Office

Rays at Orioles

When/where: 7:05 tonight; Camden Yards, Baltimore

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers:

Rays: RH Jeremy Hellickson (1-2, 5.25)

Orioles: RH Jason Hammel (5-1, 4.93)

Holding on: Hellickson is winless in his last four starts and has struggled to hold a lead. He is 6-3 with a 2.70 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) against Baltimore....

Crash victim works to forgive former Ray Bush

Tony Tufano tries not to be bitter, but there are days, like Wednesday, when he struggles to get out of bed and he can't help it.

Tufano, 73, is grateful to be alive after he was nearly killed last year on March 22 in North Port, when his motorcycle was struck by a Dodge Durango driven by former Rays right-handed pitcher Matt Bush. Bush, 27, baseball's top overall pick in 2004, is in jail serving a 51-month sentence after pleading no contest in December to driving under the influence with serious bodily injury....

Rays: Plantain recipes; camo trip; streaking

Rays vs. Red Sox

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Tickets: $14-$210, at Tropicana Field box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team Tampa store; $3 surcharge within five hours of game time.

Probable pitchers:

Rays: RH Alex Cobb (4-2, 3.09)

Red Sox: LH Felix Doubront (3-1, 6.40)...

Rays reminded of Evan Longoria's importance

ST. PETERSBURG — OF Sam Fuld said the Rays were certainly aware last year, especially when Evan Longoria missed 85 games with a hamstring injury, how important the third baseman is.

But Fuld said as they've watched Longoria carry the team the past few weeks, including hitting a two-run, walkoff homer in Saturday's 8-7 win, "it's an even bigger reminder."

The Rays aren't the only one to notice, as Longoria was named the American League player of the week Monday. He hit .464 with three homers and 11 RBI in seven games, helping spark a five-game winning streak heading into tonight's series opener with the Red Sox....