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Kazmir's Start Gets Pushed Back

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 18, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - The Rays knew unusual circumstances would be required for Scott Kazmir to pitch in the All-Star Game, and they got them when Tuesday night's game lasted 15 innings.

The plan all along had been to push Kazmir's first start of the second half back if he did end up pitching, according to executive vice president Andrew Friedman, and that's what the Rays will do.

Kazmir was supposed to get the ball Saturday against the Blue Jays but will instead start either Sunday or Monday, depending on how he feels after a light throwing session today. Matt Garza will start in Kazmir's place Saturday against fellow All-Star Game participant Roy Halladay.

"It's the smart thing to do," said Kazmir, who added that his arm felt fine after playing catch Thursday afternoon.

Though the Rays had asked American League manager Terry Francona to avoid using Kazmir if he could help it, they were in full support of the way the Red Sox skipper handled a difficult situation.

"I thought Terry did everything right," said Manager Joe Maddon. "He did what he had to do."

Kazmir's adrenaline was flowing when he finally took the mound, but apparently his long wait for the bullpen phone to ring took a little of the edge off.

"I would have been nervous if I'd have gone in there in the sixth or something like that," he said. "In the 15th, all I was worried about was when I was going to get some food. I was starving."

KICKING THE TIRES: Friedman reiterated that he doesn't feel any pressure to make a move in the weeks before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. He said he's confident the players already in place can get the job done but will continue to be active in conversations with other teams.

"There's certain players that we like in a vacuum and it's how do they fit and taking all the different considerations into play with acquisition cost," said Friedman. "If something does make sense, we'll absolutely do it, but we by no means feel any pressure to force a move that's not there."

PERCIVAL GETTING THERE: Maddon was pleasantly surprised by the 30-pitch live batting practice session Troy Percival threw Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field, saying the closer is "probably ahead of schedule" as he looks to return from a strained left hamstring.

"He was landing without any hesitation, he was finishing like he normally does," said Maddon. "The ball was really alive at the end, and he had the look. He had the right look, like he wasn't trying to put something by me - he sincerely looked good."
Percival will have to be checked out by the Rays' medical staff, and perhaps undergo another MRI on his hamstring, but it seems possible he could be activated within the next few days.

Also nearing activation but not quite as close is SS Jason Bartlett, who did some more running Thursday. He is expected to be cleared by the end of the homestand.

REYES READY: The Rays will activate RHP Al Reyes from the 15-day disabled list before tonight's game. The reliever missed five weeks with shoulder tendinitis, his second DL stint with a shoulder problem this season.

"It's time to get back and try to stay strong the whole second half of the year and try to help my team make it to the playoffs," said Reyes.

He'll take the roster spot vacated when the Rays optioned Reid Brignac to Durham Sunday night.

ROCCO WATCH: There is no specific timetable for how long Rocco Baldelli will rehab with Double-A Montgomery, Friedman said. Baldelli joined the Biscuits on Wednesday and will eventually work up to some outfield play, but that step is "a little bit down the road."

"To date, everything has been very positive," said Friedman. "But we're still in the initial stages of this."

Marc Lancaster

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