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For starters: Rays at Royals, facing Shields

 
Rays starter Alex Cobb has said he would like to develop into the same kind of pitcher as James Shields in terms of intensity and competitiveness.
Rays starter Alex Cobb has said he would like to develop into the same kind of pitcher as James Shields in terms of intensity and competitiveness.
Published April 30, 2013

UPDATE, 7:04: Escobar told head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield he was "200 percent" which Maddon was pleased about ... Rays plan to use Scott at DH but Maddon he won't be afraid to use him in field through double switches in Colorado ... Maddon says there "really wasn't any other choice" but to DFA Duncan though he hopes he can remain in the organization. ... Rays have homered in 14 straight games, one shy of team record.

UPDATE, 4:42: Both SS Yunel Escobar and C Jose Molina are back in the lineup tonight, as is DH Luke Scott.

The lineup:
Jennings cf
Joyce lf
Zobrist rf
Longoria 3b
Loney 1b
Escobar ss
Scott dh
Molina c
Roberts 2b
Cobb p

DEVELOPING: The Rays continue their roadtrip openign a three-game series against the Royals tonight, but the focus will be intensely on the mound, where they will face longtime teammate James Shields for the first time.

Both Shields and the Rays have said they are looking forward to the matchup and once they get past the awkwardness of it expect it to be fun.

The Rays will start RHP Alex Cobb, who has said he would like to develop into the same kind of pitcher as Shields in terms of intensity and competitiveness.

Another former Ray will be on the field tonight, as INF Elliot Johnson - who was the player to be named later in the deal that sent Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals - starts at 2B for KC and bats ninth.

The Rays activated Luke Scott from the DL before the game and should have him in the lineup. They designated for assignment Shelley Duncan to make room.

Here is the Royals lineup:

Gordon lf
Escobar ss
Butler DH
Hosmer 1b
Cain cf
Moustakas 3b
Francoeur rf
Perez c
Johnson 2b
Shields p

Rays lineup shortly.