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Tampa Bay Rays Dealing with Five Injuries

Stephen Kersey — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:05:10 +0000

Last year, the Tampa Bays Rays made an improbable run to the 2008 World Series. This year, the Rays are dealing with five different injuries to key players.

Akinori Iwamura, Second Baseman
This weekend, Akinori Iwamura was when trying to turn a double-play. Tests showed that he tore an ACL and the native of Japan will be forced to miss the rest of the season.

Troy Percival, Closer
Due to tendinitis, Troy Percival could very well have thrown his final pitch in the major leagues. While he hasn’t made an announcement, many sources close to the team think that he could be at the end of the line.

Scott Kazmir, Starting Pitcher
Scott Kazmir is currently on the 15-day DL with a right quadriceps strain. While he’s scheduled to be available to come off the DL soon, the team seems to think that Kazmir will need a while longer to get his arm right.

Pat Burrell, Designated Hitter
Dealing with a stiff neck, Pat Burrell will likely be out at least another week. If his neck doesn’t start to loosen, he may have to get further tests to see if there are more reasons for his pain.

Jason Bartlett, Shortstop
After getting off to an amazing start this season, Jason Bartlett is the latest casualty for the Rays. The shortstop who is hitting .373 with seven homers and 30 RBIs sprained his ankle and was placed on the disabled list.

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Troy Percival Heckled by Blue Jays Fans – Video

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:24:50 +0000

Check out this video of Troy Percival getting heckled by fans of the Toronto Blue Jays. Percival, who is currently the closer on the Tampa Bay Rays, fires back at the hecklers. I think he said something about the heckler’s mom but I couldn’t make it out.

The hecklers weren’t too impressive in their heckling. The heckler needed help from his girlfriend, who eventually joined in on the heckling. The heckler talking about Percival’s grandson was also lame.

Check out the Troy Percival heckler video:

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Troy Percival Injury Update – Rays Closer

Stephen Kersey — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:44:25 +0000

Troy Percival, the 38-year-old closer for the Tampa Bay Rays, is headed to the DL after suffering a hamstring injury. Percival was hurt on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers.

The good news is that Percival’s injury isn’t considered serious. The Rays expect him to make a complete and relatively quick recovery.

Percival has been a big part of the Rays playing higher than expectations. Tampa Bay is in first place in the AL East with a record of 32-22. Last season, the Rays had the worst record in baseball at 66-96.

Percival hadn’t been a full-time closer in the major leagues since 2004, yet he’s had a lot of success this season. He has an ERA of 2.95 and has 14 saves in 16 chances. His 14 saves are more than he had the last three seasons combined.

Until Percival is able to return, the Rays are expected to use a rotation of pitchers to close games.

Photo: Newscom

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