MVN - Most Valuable Network

G-Love--Tommy Rancel

Glover on the DL, Ruggiano Recalled, Hammel to the Bullpen

UPDATE: 5:25 PM  TBO.comis reporting that the Rays have officially told Jason Hammel that he will be moved to the bullpen. After the start Sonnanstine had this week the writing was already on the wall. Scott Kazmir will take Hammel’s spot of course.  Joe Maddon said the move was permanent and the current starters won’t have to look over their shoulders at Hammel if they struggle. Hammel was disappointed, but took the news well.

“I’m disappointed,” said Hammel, “but it’s my job to help the team, and if this is the right move for the team I’ll gladly do it.”

“I’m happy to still be a part of the team—that’s the way I look at it,” said Hammel. “I wasn’t ever really afraid of the move, but I saw it coming.”

Hammel has a brief history as a reliever. In 10 Games he has a 6.11 ERA with 13 BB, 21 H in 17.2 Innings. Lets hope his improvement as a starter this year will continue in the pen.

It is also being reported on TBO.com that Al Reyes will not be activated and in-fact go for an MRI on his right shoulder.  According to Joe Maddon the Rays aren’t expecting Reyes back in the near future. This should fix the Rays roster problem. Justin Ruggiano will be sent down before Sunday to make room for Kazmir and for now I’d assume Kurt Birkins ,who has been pitching well, will now stick around until Gary Glover returns.

The question is besides Wheeler, who will set up Percival? My first guess would be J.P. Howell now that Hammel is the long reliever. 

From the Heater:

 The Rays shuffled their roster again today, putting reliever Gary Glover going on the 15-day DL with right shoulder tendinitis. They called up OF Justin Ruggiano, who in the short term provides depth and insurance to make sure B.J. Upton’s shoulder is okay. They can then make another move when Scott Kazmir is activated to start Sunday. Reliever Al Reyes has not been reinstated from the DL, which is probably not a good sign.

This will help ease the decision for the pitching staff. Once Kazmir is activated either Ruggiano or Birkins will be sent down depending on Upton’s status. Once Reyes is ready the other one will be sent down. This delays the Rays having to make a hard decision for about two weeks. As for who get’s sent to the bullpen my guess is Jason Hammel at this point.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 2nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm and is filed under MVN Rays. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.