Thursday, Oct. 02, 2008

RAYS NOTES: Percival shelved?

It appears the most playoff-tested guy in Tampa Bay's clubhouse won't be on the team's first ever postseason roster.

Rays closer Troy Percival said manager Joe Maddon told him he won't be active for Tampa Bay's American League Division Series matchup with the Chicago White Sox.

"I asked him, and he said of as right now, it doesn't look like it," Percival said Wednesday afternoon. "It is what it is, and I understand that I spent a good majority of two months not healthy and not pitching well."

Maddon won't confirm Percival was taken off the ALDS roster or that rookie David Price was added. The ALDS roster doesn't have to be set until 10 a.m. today.

Percival converted 28 of 32 save chances this season, but spent three stints on the disabled list with knee and hamstring injuries. He also experienced back problems during the final weeks of the regular season and had a 6.11 ERA after the All-Star break.

"I think health isn't really that big of an issue at this point," Percival said. "It's just a matter of what we want to do with the roster. I don't know if (Maddon's) made a final decision or not. It's not my job to try and argue with him or what have you. They are going to do what's best for the organization, and if that includes me, great. If not, I'll be here clapping."

Dan Wheeler will likely handle the closer role.

C.C. TO HIT 5TH

Maddon said he will bat Carl Crawford fifth in the lineup now because the left fielder is coming back from an injury that required surgery.

He wants Crawford hitting behind Carlos Peña and Evan Longoria, because he will be able to drive them in. Batting in front of Cliff Floyd should give Floyd some RBI opportunities as well.

GOMES WON'T PLAY

Jonny Gomes was among the list of players not added to the ALDS roster. Also deactivated is pitcher Jason Hammel.

Maddon did say Rocco Baldelli will play in the ALDS.

He also said the team will carry just 10 pitches.

The delay in announcing the final roster likely has to do with the Rays getting approval to add Price in place of an injured player like Chad Orvella, who missed the entire season.

- Roger Mooney,

John Lembo, Herald Staff