Rays: Maddon's RV break; clubhouse manager at-bat; Carly Rae Jepsen poor pitch

Catch her, maybe? Yeah, good luck

Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen (chatting here with Matt Moore) had a rough day at Tropicana Field, botching her ceremonial first pitch, bouncing it just a few feet in front of the mound. "I thought it that was going to be a bad omen," she said. Maybe it was, as her postgame concert was temporarily delayed due to technical difficulties.

Starry day

In a pregame ceremony, Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman (below, center) helps recognize the team's contingent heading to Tuesday's All-Star Game, from left: athletic trainer Ron Porterfield, conditioning coordinator Kevin Barr, OF/INF Ben Zobrist and LHP Matt Moore.

Quote of the day

"I think it's something that he should probably get used to. He's a very talented pitcher."

Evan Longoria, Rays 3B (above), on rookie RHP Chris Archer's first career complete game

Pinch-hitter

It was a surprise to see Chris Westmoreland, the Rays' equipment and home clubhouse manager, step to the plate as one of the hitters to face RHP Alex Cobb during his live batting practice session Sunday. Westmoreland hadn't been in the batter's box since his days at Sante Fe Community College. "The stuff is obviously better up here," he quipped. Westmoreland did hit a couple of sharp grounders to the left side, and manager Joe Maddon rated his performance "well-above average." "I've got the best hitting clubbie in the American League," he said.

On the road again

Most Rays are going to lay low during the All-Star break, but manager Joe Maddon planned Sunday night to take a road trip with his wife, Jaye, in their 30-foot recreational vehicle with destination "unknown." "The idea of hitting the open road is kind of an exciting thought," Maddon said. "This is our first salvo into the RV world. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Number of the day

34 Home wins this season by the Rays, the most in the majors.

On deck

Today through Thursday: All-Star break

Friday: at Blue Jays, 7:07, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (3-5, 3.94); Blue Jays — Esmil Rogers (3-4, 3.64)

Saturday: at Blue Jays, 1:07, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (8-3, 4.67); Blue Jays — Mark Buehrle (5-6, 4.89)

Sunday: at Blue Jays, 1:07, Sun Sports. Rays — Chris Archer (4-3, 2.96); Blue Jays — R.A. Dickey (8-10, 4.69)

Joe Smith, Times staff writer