Davis will get more chances

The Rays already have one rookie with perfectionist tendencies in their rotation in David Price, and he might have company for the rest of the season.

Manager Joe Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey did as expected Tuesday in informing Wade Davis that he would start Saturday at Fenway Park and telling Andy Sonnanstine he'll be in the bullpen for the foreseeable future. It was the obvious move, and Sonnanstine's 22/3-inning, eight-run debacle Monday coming on the heels of Davis' seven brilliant innings Sunday against Detroit only reinforced it. But Davis took care Tuesday to point out that he wasn't about to rest on his laurels from one big-league start, however impressive it was.

"It's going to take a lot more than that to get a rotation spot," Davis said. "Hopefully I can have a good September and come into spring training next year and do well, and hopefully we can win some games here and maybe get back in it."

He has a better chance of achieving the former than the latter, but Davis' performance undoubtedly will become a major focus as the Rays wrap up the season. At this point, he has to be favored to remain in the rotation heading into the 2010 season, and this is his chance to make a good impression on the front office heading into the winter.

"I think it's going to help me put something good in my head and hopefully give me a chance to see where I stand as far as 'Can I do this?'" Davis said. "I know I can, but a little bit more assurance would be good."

Sonnanstine also might be auditioning for his 2010 role in the final weeks. A long-relief job might be Sonnanstine's best bet moving forward, with the rotation looking fairly well set. For now, though, Sonnanstine will do his best to salvage a horribly disappointing year that has seen him go 6-9 with a 7.23 ERA in 17 starts for the Rays.

"I pictured this season going a little bit different in my head, obviously, but Wade came up and had a great start and I think he deserves a couple more," Sonnanstine said. "For the time being, I'll be in the bullpen trying to help out."

Been a while

1B Chris Richard's start Tuesday was his first in the majors since April 30, 2003, completing a remarkable comeback from multiple shoulder problems that caused him to miss most of 2003 and all of 2004 and nearly ended his career.

"I really praise his perseverance," Maddon said. "It's tremendous what he's done to get back, and who knows? He's very talented with the bat and he's very talented with the glove. Sometimes a guy like that just needs an opportunity. We'll see."

Maddon said he wants to give Richard a chance to play in the coming weeks, and when Willy Aybar starts, Richard will likely come on late as a defensive replacement.

Rodney suspended

Tigers closer Fernando Rodney was suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball for throwing a ball into the Tropicana Field press box following Detroit's win last Friday. Rodney appealed the penalties, which didn't sit well with Tigers management.

"I cannot condone what Fernando did," Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski told reporters. "That was inappropriate - you're not supposed to throw the ball into the stands like that, and the players know that. Fortunately, no one got hit, but beyond that it's not like he was upset at anyone other than himself. He wasn't throwing it at anyone, he wasn't throwing it in the press box on purpose. He just threw the ball."

Odds and ends

CF B.J. Upton was out of the lineup again Tuesday even though he said he expected to play. Maddon said Upton should start tonight's game. ... The Rays recalled RHP Dale Thayer from Durham to provide bullpen depth after Jeff Bennett threw 84 pitches in relief of Sonnanstine on Monday. ... 3B Evan Longoria was named the AL co-player of the week (with Toronto's Adam Lind) after hitting .467 with 10 RBIs last week. ... 1B Carlos Pena had his broken left index and middle fingers examined by hand specialist Doug Carlan on Tuesday, and the Rays expect to know more about his recovery time today.