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Pitching rotation may see changes

 
Published July 4, 2003|Updated Sept. 1, 2005

Devil Rays starting pitcher Jeremi Gonzalez isn't the same pitcher now as when he first joined the Rays in mid May.

In seven of his first eight starts, he allowed three runs or fewer. The other start? He allowed four runs.

But last Friday, Gonzalez gave up six runs and nine hits in five innings in a loss to Atlanta. Then Thursday, he gave up three homers and four runs in five innings to the Red Sox.

"Gonzalez hasn't been as sharp the last few starts," Rays manager Lou Piniella said. "I don't know if his arm is a little tired or what. We might just hold him back a little bit and give him a breather. We'll see."

That could affect how the Rays set up their rotation over the next week, as will the health of Joe Kennedy, who will make his second rehabilitation start tonight in Richmond for Triple-A Durham.

Before Thursday's game, Piniella said a healthy Kennedy, who has been out the past month with left shoulder inflammation, likely would take Rob Bell's spot in the rotation. Bell, then, would slide into the bullpen and a long relief role.

That was before Gonzalez's so-so outing Thursday. Piniella plans to reconsider his options over the next day or two.

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS: Piniella doesn't have to think hard to remember where he was 20 years ago today.

"I was in leftfield," he said.

He was in leftfield at Yankee Stadium as New York's Dave Righetti tossed a Fourth of July no-hitter against the Red Sox in 1983.

"He had exceptional stuff that day and it culminated in a masterful performance against a real good lineup," Piniella said.

Did Piniella have any tough chances to keep Righetti's no-hitter alive?

"Thank God, I didn't," Piniella said.

Playing leftfield in Yankee Stadium during the day, particularly in the summer, is as much fun as filling out your taxes.

"It was a sun field," said Piniella, whose most memorable defensive play was faking a catch on a ball lost in the sun at Fenway Park in 1978 during the one-game playoff.

"I guess I was a sun player, being from Florida."

PINIELLA HONORED: Piniella was named an outfielder on the Pacific Coast League's All-Centennial Team (1958-present). Piniella batted .303 with 28 homers in three seasons (1966-68) for the Portland Beavers.

The other outfielders were Mickey Rivers and Davey Lopes. Other notable names included Willie McCovey, Mike Piazza and Gaylord Perry.

BROTHERLY LOVE: This weekend is special for Rays catcher Javier Valentin. He'll play against his brother, Jose, of the White Sox. "It's always special," Valentin said.

They have played against each other many times over the years, especially during winter ball in Puerto Rico.

"We're always giving it to each other, talking to one another on the field," Valentin said. "He'll be at shortstop, saying, "Don't hit one over here because I'm diving and getting everything.' Stuff like that. But it's always a lot of fun."

Valentin's family, including his parents, will attend the weekend series.

And who does Mom root for?

Valentin smiled and said, "Her son."

MISCELLANY: Al Martin's homer was his first since Sept. 25, 2001. The Rays are 4-4 in extra-inning games. This was the Rays fifth walk-off victory of the season. Three have come against Boston. It was the 37th walk-off victory in club history. Rays catcher Toby Hall struck out twice in the same game for the first time since April 1. Both games have been against Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. Hall has struck out 15 times this season.

_ TOM JONES

OUTTA LEFTFIELD

Before Thursday's game, Rays manager Lou Piniella was talking about how tough it is to hit .400. Heck, it's tough to hit .333, Piniella said. For most player, he was told, hitting .300 is a good season. Piniella laughed and said, "For some guys, hitting .250 is a good year."

TODAY: RAYS VS. WHITE SOX

WHEN/WHERE: 5:15; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.

TV/RADIO: Pax; WFLA-AM 970.

PITCHERS: Rays _ RHP Victor Zambrano (5-4, 4.04); White Sox: Bartolo Colon (6-7, 4.20).

PROMOTIONS: Military members wearing their uniforms receive two free outfield tickets.

WORTH NOTING: Zambrano is looking to win his third consecutive start and his fourth consecutive decision. He has allowed only 23 hits in the past 42 innings.

RAYS TICKETS: Available at the Tropicana Field box office, through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at devilrays.com or ticketmaster.com and the Rays Dugout store at WestShore Plaza. Beach tickets go on sale at Gate 6 two hours before the game.

INFORMATION: Call toll-free 1-888-FAN-RAYS.