McGee's schedule pushed back a month

Left-handed pitcher Jake McGee's return from Tommy John surgery has been pushed back a month due to forearm tightness.

McGee said in spring training that his rehab schedule ran through the end of May. Now, it runs through June 26.

"I hope to be throwing three innings by then," McGee said Sunday from Port Charlotte, Fla.

McGee, one of Tampa Bay's top prospects, was with the Biscuits when he suffered the injury. He last pitched in a game June 22, 2008.

Glad I'm missing this one

Florida State is on its way to an NCAA regional championship. The Seminoles lead Ohio State 35-2 in the middle of the eighth.

The Buckeyes didn't get what you'd call a quality start from Jared Strayer, who gave up seven runs without recording an out. One reliever picked up two outs at the price of seven runs. Another posted one out and 11 runs on the scoreboard.

UPDATE: Uh, oh. Lookout. Here come the Buckeyes. Ohio State scored twice in the bottom of the eighth to pull within 31 runs.

UPDATE: Dang Buckeye bullpen. FSU scored two more to take a 37-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth. The Seminoles have 38 hits, including 15 doubles, two triples and three home runs.

7:02 UPDATE: It's final. FSU 37-6.

Hellickson throws 35-pitch side session; live b.p. next

Jeremy Hellickson, who returned to the team in Jacksonville after his 98-year-old great grandmother died in Iowa, threw a 35-pitch side session today.

It's the third time he's thrown from a mound and he's supposed to throw live batting practice this week. Hellickson, who has missed almost a month with a shoulder injury, isn't sure when he might return. "I don't know yet," he said.

Bradford schedule still up in air

The Biscuits, manager Billy Gardner said, haven't received a rehab schedule for major-leaguer Chad Bradford, who's supposed to join the team soon.

UPDATE: Bradford will join the team Monday.

Suns scream at the top of their Ungs; Biscuits seek snooze bar

Right-hander Nic Ungs will start today for the Jacksonville Suns in the series opener at Riverwalk Stadium against the groggy Biscuits, who arrived in town at 6:45 a.m. today after playing at Carolina on Saturday.

The Biscuits are sure to be chipper for the first of two autograph days with the gates opening at 4:30.

Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Jason Bowers, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Fernando Cortez, 3b
Cesar Suarez, dh
J.T. Hall, rf
Drew Anderson, 2b
Matt Spring, c
Pedro Powell, lf
Ryan Morse, lhp

SUNS
Lorenzo Scott, cf
Andy Jenkins, 1b
Tim Torres, ss
Lee Mitchell, 3b
Scott Cousins, rf
Ryan Klosterman, 2b
Kevin Randel, dh
Spike McDougall, lf
Chris Hatcher, c
Nic Ungs, rhp

Thayer dropped to minors

The Rays demoted former Biscuits stopper Dale Thayer to Durham and called up outfielder Matt Joyce after today's game.

Mason promoted to Durham

With Triple-A Durham short of pitchers, right-hander Chris Mason has been promoted from the Biscuits.

It's a convenient move with the Biscuits playing in Zebulon, N.C., about a 35-mile drive to Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Mason is 2-2 with a 7.71 ERA in 16 appearances for Montgomery this year.

Hall shows more versatility

Matt Hall, drafted out of Auburn by the Rays last year, has been all over the infield at three different levels this year, wherever Tampa Bay had a need.

Now, he's taken that to new "heights."

Hall took the mound tonight and retired three of the four batters he faced in Durham's 9-3 home loss to Buffalo.

Major-leaguer Bradford coming to Biscuits

Major-league reliever Chad Bradford will soon join the Biscuits to continue a minor-league rehab assignment, the St. Pete Times reports.

Bradford hasn't pitched for the Rays this season because of February elbow surgery. He started his rehab assignment with high-Class A Charlotte.

Injuries hit Biscuits, who add Powell

Biscuits outfielder Jason Perry broke a wrist Tuesday and will miss 3-6 weeks. Perry was hit by a pitch.

Pedro Powell, who was hitting .308 and was 12-for-13 on steals, has been promoted from high-Class A Charlotte.

Powell, who turned 25 last week, is a seventh-year pro originally drafted by the Pirates in 2003. He hit .148 in 45 games last year at Double-A Altoona before his release. He has 252 -- not 256 -- career steals.

Bartlett latest to disabled list for injuRays

Now shortstop Jason Bartlett appears headed to the disabled list with an ankle injury for the Rays and Joe Dillon is moving up from Durham.

Since Friday, here are those who've joined the DL and the player from Durham who has taken their role and, in a couple of places, those who have roughly taken their place with Durham.

Scott Kazmir (quad) -- David Price -- Matt DeSalvo from Atlantic League
Troy Percival (shoulder) -- Dale Thayer
Akinori Iwamura (knee) -- Reid Brignac -- Henry Mateo from Atlantic League
Jason Bartlett (ankle) -- Joe Dillon -- Brandon Chaves from MGM
Brian Shouse (elbow) -- Randy Choate

Last year, the Rays had just 14 in-season trips to the disabled list. Their most in a month was four in April.

Bulls welcome new infielder: Chaves

Biscuits infielder Brandon Chaves has been promoted to Triple-A Durham.

The Bulls have been short on infielders lately, forcing them to use catcher Craig Albernaz at second base Monday. They've also used catcher Alex Jamieson at first base several times.

Rays may have trouble forgetting this

The Rays led 10-0 tonight at Cleveland, carried a 10-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth ... and lost 11-10. Such defeats can linger.

Iwamura tears ACL, out for year

Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura suffered a torn ACL on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season. He had an MRI today that revealed the full injury.

The Rays have also promoted Durham reliever Randy Choate to the majors and DL'd Brian Shouse. To add Choate to the 40-man roster, they moved Fernando Perez to the 60-day DL.

Davis top pitcher of IL week; Hall to Bulls

Wade Davis won the International League's pitcher of the week award after giving up just one unearned run in two wins and 13 innings last week.

Also, Matt Hall is back with the Bulls from high-Class A Charlotte.

The Rays have also announced a three-year contract extension for manager Joe Maddon.

Mateo leaves Bluefish for Bulls

Middle infielder Henry Mateo is moving from the independent Bridgeport Bluefish to the Bulls, the Bluefish announced Saturday.

That was obviously before Akinori Iwamura's injury today.

Mateo had a .416 average to lead the Atlantic League this season, his second with the Bluefish, and has played 190 major-league games.

Iwamura injury looks serious

Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura suffered a knee injury today -- and the major-league beat writers say it looks serious.

If so, Reid Brignac will stay in the majors and not return to Durham as scheduled. That could trigger a wave of promotions upward.

5 p.m. UPDATE: The major-league writers both say Iwamura will have an MRI in St. Pete on Monday and "almost certainly" is headed to the DL. He's on crutches and was "saying goodbye" to his teammates.

System check

Stats through Friday. Yada, yada, yada.

TRIPLE-A, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
(25-16, second place, 2.5 GB)
RHP Wade Davis threw 6.2 shutout innings to win Monday and is 4-1 with a 3.10 ERA. In 40.2 innings, he’s allowed 28 hits, walked 21 and struck out 28.
OF Justin Ruggiano, after hitting .197 in April, has a .300 average, 18 RBIs and 18 runs scored in May.
1B Chris Richard hit a three-run home run Friday and has a .267 average with 10 homers.
LHP Carlos Hernandez threw seven shutout innings Tuesday to win his third straight start. He’s 3-2 with a 4.29 ERA.
OF Matt Joyce has a .413 on-base percentage, 19 runs and 17 RBIs in 34 games.
LHP James Houser is 1-1 with a 5.00 ERA in six starts.

HIGH-CLASS A, CHARLOTTE STONE CRABS
Florida State League South
(21-16, second place, 3.5 GB)
RHP Matt Gorgen has an 0.50 ERA and 12 hits allowed in 18 innings. He’s 7-for-7 in save opportunities, has walked seven and struck out 23.
2B Cody Cipriano has a .398 on-base percentage and has reached base via hit or walk in 27 of the 28 games he’s played. He has 18 runs scored and 18 RBIs.
RHP Alex Cobb allowed one run over seven innings in a no-decision Wednesday. He has a 2.41 ERA, 38 hits allowed and 32 strikeouts in 41 innings.
RHP Jeremy Hall allowed one run over five innings to win his last start. He’s 4-2 with a 4.05 ERA.
C Nevin Ashley is hitting .167 in May and .226 for the season.

LOW-CLASS A, BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
South Atlantic League Southern
(21-19, fourth place, 2.5 GB)
SS Tim Beckham is 5-for-9 in his last two games, snapping a 2-for-18 slump. He is hitting .295 with 23 RBIs and 37 strikeouts.
2B Isaias Velasquez has a .296 average.
LHP Neil Schenk hasn’t allowed a run in 10.1 May innings.
LHP Matt Moore has walked 29 and struck out 46 in 32.1 innings. He’s 2-2 with a 3.90 ERA.

WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
RHP Brian Stokes has an 0.52 ERA in 16 games with the New York Mets. He is 1-2 and has allowed 14 hits in 17.1 innings.
RHP Jose Diaz is 2-0 with four saves and a 4.29 ERA in 17 appearances at Double-A Frisco (Rangers).
CF Joey Gathright has a .275 average and nine runs scored in 10 games with Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles).
LHP Jon Switzer has a 2.66 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 20.1 innings for Triple-A Buffalo (Mets).
OF Shaun Cumberland has a .231 average with Double-A Carolina (Reds).
C Iker Franco has a .247 average and 10 home runs for Quintana Roo in the Mexican League.
LHP Chris Seddon is 1-3 with a 7.81 ERA at Triple-A Tacoma (Mariners).
LHP Jino Gonzalez is 2-0 with an 0.71 ERA in two starts at independent Sioux Falls.
OF Jeremy Owens is hitting .256 for independent Southern Maryland.
OF Francisco Leandro has a .323 average with independent Pensacola.

Intriguing note on Thayer's debut

Dale Thayer became the first Ray to pick up a save in his major-league debut and the first major-leaguer in three years to do it, according to Tampa Bay's daily notes. Seattle's Emiliano Fruto saved a win over the Angels on May 16, 2006.

Brazell going back to Japan

Craig Brazell is saying sayonara to American baseball again this year and returning to Japan. Brazell has been with the St. Paul Saints of the independent American Association, but the Saints have sold his contract to the Hanshin Tigers. The Montgomery native played for the Seibu Lions last year.

Brignac records first hit; Thayer saves debut

Reid Brignac has something that he'll want to display at the family home in Louisiana. He picked up his first major-league tonight for the Rays.

Dale Thayer also made his debut in relief of Andy Sonnanstine. Thayer picked up a three-inning save, allowing one run, in Tampa Bay's 15-2 win at Florida.

Reports: Price to start Monday for Rays

David Price is expected be called on to start Monday's game for the Rays, according to multiple reports. Tampa Bay opens a series at Cleveland on Monday. Reliever Dale Thayer will likely be demoted back to Durham after the weekend.

UPDATE: Price was to start Saturday for Durham, which will now use Jason Childers and Julio DePaula against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Thayer, Brignac to majors; Biscuits (so far) untouched

Former Biscuits Dale Thayer and Reid Brignac have been promoted to the Rays from Durham and will be in uniform tonight against the Marlins.

While Brignac had 10 at-bats (and no hits) with Tampa Bay last year, Thayer, who led the Southern League in saves for Montgomery in 2007, is in the major leagues for the first time.

There's no word if the Biscuits are losing anybody. If the promotions are for only the short term, Montgomery likely won't be touched. If they're lengthy, look for Calvin Medlock or Eduardo Morlan to move up to take Thayer's spot. The Bulls should be able to cover Brignac without needing assistance.

The Rays are putting relief pitcher Troy Percival (right shoulder tendinitis) and starting pitching Scott Kazmir (right quadriceps strain) on the disabled list to create room for Thayer and Brignac.

If and when Thayer makes his debut, he'll be No. 39 on the Biscuits-to-majors list.

Thayer, 28, went on the 40-man roster this offseason. He had six saves and an 0.93 ERA in 19 1/3 innings with Durham this year. Thayer signed with the Padres as a non-drafted free agent from Chico State, came to the Rays in a 2006 trade and was a three-time Southern League saves leader (twice with Mobile, once with Montgomery). He's the all-time Southern League saves leader.

Rays mum over report of Maddon extension

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that the Rays and manager Joe Maddon are close to announcing a three-year contract extension. The Rays have released a statement from general manager Andrew Friedman: "It has always been our policy not to comment on rumors or unconfirmed reports."

Let's start a pool: When will they announce it? Tampa Bay is about to start a road trip and you'd think they'd want to announce such things while they're home.

Biscuits have long trip after Braves finale

The Biscuits finish their home series with Mississippi tonight and head off on a 10-game road swing that takes them to Jacksonville and Carolina. Tonight's game is Montgomery's last at home until May 31.

If you need a baseball idea for next week, go see Mississippi wear the old Atlanta powder-blue uniforms against the Barons in the Rickwood Classic. The annual game is next Wednesday. (If you're curious about my plans for much of the time they're away, click this.)

Anyway, outfielder John Matulia has left for Florida and extended spring training. He needs some at-bats to regain his timing following an elbow injury that has cost him the last month.

Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Brandon Chaves, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Jason Perry, rf
Cesar Suarez, dh
Fernando Cortez, lf
Jason Bowers, 3b
Matt Spring, c
Drew Anderson, 2b
Ryan Morse, lhp

BRAVES
Gorkys Hernandez, cf
Matt Young, lf
Willie Cabrera, rf
J.C. Boscan, c
Concepcion Rodriguez, dh
Kala Ka'aihue, 1b
Brandon Hicks, ss
Eric Campbell, 3b
Kody Kirkland, 2b
Scott Diamond, lhp

With Bulls surging, can Biscuits follow suit?

The Durham Bulls have already won today, beating Rochester 10-1 behind starter Carlos Hernandez's seven shutout innings. Durham's starters have a combined 18 2/3-inning scoreless streak and a 3.84 season ERA.

Montgomery's starters won both games Monday, giving the rotation a 4.31 ERA. (The bullpen weighs in at a hefty 6.15.)

It's Game 4 of the Biscuits' home series with the Mississippi Braves. Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Brandon Chaves, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Jason Perry, rf
Rashad Eldridge, lf
J.T. Hall, dh
Cesar Suarez, 2b
Matt Spring, c
Jason Bowers, 3b
Jason Cromer, lhp

BRAVES
Gorkys Hernandez, cf
Matt Young, lf
Willie Cabrera, dh
J.C. Boscan, c
Concepcion Rodriguez, rf
Kala Ka'aihue, 1b
Brandon Hicks, ss
Eric Campbell, 3b
Antonio Perez, 2b
Deunte Heath, rhp

Hellickson away after family death

Biscuits pitcher Jeremy Hellickson is away from the team after his grandmother died this weekend.

Doubleheader awaits for Biscuits, Braves

Settle in for a doubleheader tonight between the Biscuits and Braves. The Stone Crabs are doing the same thing in Florida and the Hot Rods will do it Tuesday. Bowling Green is already rained out tonight.

One change from previously thought in Game 2: Alexander City native Jerome Gamble will start for the M-Braves and Deunte Heath will pitch Tuesday.

Game 1 lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Brandon Chaves, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Jason Perry, rf
Rashad Eldridge, lf
Cesar Suarez, dh
Jason Bowers, 3b
Matt Spring, c
Drew Anderson, 2b
Heath Rollins, rhp

BRAVES
Gorkys Hernandez, cf
Matt Young, lf
Willie Cabrera, rf
J.C. Boscan, c
Greg Creek, 1b
Concepcion Rodriguez, dh
Brandon Hicks, ss
Kody Kirkland, 3b
Antonio Perez, 2b
Jonny Venters, lhp

Durham's Richard wins IL award

Durham's Chris Richard won the International League's weekly hitting award today. He had two grand slams in one game last week and totaled a league-high 13 RBIs for the week.

Mississippi catcher J.C. Boscan and Chattanooga pitcher Jesus Castillo won the Southern League's awards.

Slugging Sonnanstine no surprise

A lineup snafu forced Rays pitcher Andy Sonnanstine into the batting order today -- he hit third -- against the Cleveland Indians. He helped his own cause, finishing 1-for-3 with an RBI double (an opposite-field stroke to left), and picked up his second win in Tampa Bay's 7-5 victory.

"All the starting pitchers are trying to pay us off to make that mistake,” Rays manager Joe Maddon cracked to reporters.

It shouldn't be a surprise that Sonnanstine had a little swing in him. Way back in 2006, before the Rays banned such shenanigans, the Biscuits would have pitchers' batting practice every once in a while.

Sonnanstine was always a force in those sessions. He was good enough that pitching coach Xavier Hernandez had one session on the day that Sonnanstine pitched ... and therefore couldn't participate. Unable to pull such a stunt later that year, Hernandez watched Sonnanstine crank four home runs -- homers are all that mattered for pitchers' BP -- and finish second to Jean Machi.

Today, the Rays mistakenly listed two third basemen and no designated hitter on their lineup, which meant they lost the DH and pitchers had to hit. Sonnanstine is the first AL pitcher to be in the starting batting lineup for a home game since Ken Brett of the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 23, 1976.

Isringhausen called up to Rays

The Rays are putting designated hitter Pat Burrell on the disabled list with his sore neck and calling up pitcher Jason Isringhausen. Isringhausen has been on a minor-league rehab assiognment that included a week with the Biscuits.

Sunday's game already a wash

Rainout today. Doubleheader starts at 6:05 Monday. If you need an entertainment idea, go see Star Trek. Good movie. (I'll likely go see it again mýself.)

Series opener with Mississippi

The Biscuits and Braves open their series tonight and there's a horde of Boy Scouts streaming in. The Biscuits are above .500 for the first time after sweeping a five-game series at Mobile.

Mississippi features Alexander City native Jerome Gamble after his demotion from Triple-A Gwinnett in the last week and our favorite visiting manager, Phillip Wellman.

There's a slight sprinkle, but the tarp is off the field. Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Brandon Chaves, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Jason Perry, rf
Rashad Eldridge, lf
J.T. Hall, dh
Jason Bowers, 3b
Matt Spring, c
Cesar Suarez, 2b
Brandon Mann, lhp

BRAVES
Gorkys Hernandez, cf -- No. 4 on Atlanta prospect list
Matt Young, lf
Willie Cabrera, rf
J.C. Boscan, c
Kala Ka'aihue, 1b
Concepcion Rodriguez, dh
Brandon Hicks, ss
Eric Campbell, 3b
Antonio Perez, 2b
Jorge Campillo, rhp -- Kyle Cofield, rhp (piggyback)

System check

We're starting the weekly Biscuits statistics feature in Sunday's paper. Here's a sneak peek, though this doesn't absolve you from actually buying a paper. Stats through Friday.

TRIPLE-A, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
(21-14, second place, 1.5 GB)
LHP David Price is 1-4 with a 4.60 ERA in seven starts. He’s walked 16 and struck out 26 in 29.1 innings.
RHP Wade Davis has a 3-1 record and a 3.71 ERA in seven starts. He’s walked 20 and struck out 25 in 34 innings.
IF Reid Brignac is hitting .281 with 19 runs scored and 12 RBIs.
RHP Dale Thayer is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and has allowed 15 hits in 18 innings.
1B Chris Richard hit two grand slams Friday, giving him nine home runs this year.
3B Chris Nowak hit his first Triple-A home run Tuesday. He has a .226 average.
RHP Mitch Talbot is 3-3 with a 4.10 ERA.

HIGH-CLASS A, CHARLOTTE STONE CRABS
Florida State League South
(18-15, second place, 4 GB)
LHP Darin Downs is 5-1 with a 2.92 ERA. He’s given up 35 hits, walked two and struck out 29 in 37 innings.
RHP Matt Gorgen has an 0.90 ERA and five saves in 15 innings. He’s allowed 12 hits, walked six and struck out 21.
3B Greg Sexton has a .276 average and 23 RBIs.
2B Cody Cipriano has a .394 on-base percentage with 16 runs scored in 24 games.
LF Pedro Powell is hitting .308 and is 10-for-11 on steals.

LOW-CLASS A, BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
South Atlantic League Southern
(17-17, sixth place, 2.5 GB)
SS Tim Beckham has a .288 average and 23 RBIs. He’s drawn four walks and totaled 32 strikeouts.
LHP Matt Moore is 2-2 with a 4.18 ERA and 26 walks in 28 innings.
LHP Josh Satow has a 2.08 ERA and 10 hits allowed in 17.1 innings.

WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
1B Gabriel Martinez’s .283 average at Double-A Chattanooga (Dodgers) includes 24 RBIs and 15 runs scored.
RHP Evan Meek has walked nine and struck out eight in 10.2 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
LF Delmon Young is hitting .277 with two extra-base hits for the Minnesota Twins.
RHP Jean Machi is 1-2 with four saves and a 1.69 ERA at Double-A Altoona (Pirates).
RF Patrick Breen has a .213 average at Double-A Arkansas (Angels).
RHP Ruddy Lugo is 3-3 with a 3.77 ERA for Triple-A Toledo (Tigers).
CF Jason Pridie has a .246 average for Triple-A Rochester (Twins).
RHP Nick DeBarr has a 7.98 ERA in 12 relief appearances with Triple-A Albuquerque (Dodgers).
LHP Brian Henderson has allowed six hits and two earned runs in 8.2 innings for independent Somerset.

Major-league reliever to face Biscuits

Atlanta reliever Jorge Campillo will start tonight for the Mississippi Braves against the Biscuits. Campillo is making his rehab debut and will likely throw just one inning. The right-hander has been on the disabled list since April 17 with rotator cuff tendinitis.

Maniscalco returns to Riverwalk

Former Biscuits shortstop Matthew Maniscalco is back at Riverwalk Stadium. Maniscalco is in town to watch his alma mater, Oxford High, in the Class 6A championship series, which ends today at Riverwalk.

Maniscalco and wife Kim just had their second child. He said he was surprised at all the changes around the stadium. "It makes me feel old," he said. "But I've only been gone two years."

Carl Crawford leaves with bruised shoulder

Rays left fielder Carl Crawford left Wednesday's game at Baltimore with a bruised right shoulder. Crawford made a diving catch to end the fourth and didn't come out for the fifth.

Rays send Burrell home with neck pain

Rays designated hitter Pat Burrell was sent home from the team's current road trip so that team doctors can examine his sore neck. The pain is on the left side of his neck and above the shoulder.

"He really has a hard time when he’s turning his head to see the pitcher," manager Joe Maddon said in an Associated Press story. "It’s awkward for him to turn all the way."

The Rays finish a three-city road trip in Baltimore tonight.

Riggans requires more rest, not surgery

Shawn Riggans will miss at least another three weeks -- but he won't need surgery -- after aggravating his shoulder injury while with the Biscuits last week.

Riggans visited orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham today and the Rays announced the results to reporters before tonight's game at Baltimore.

Riggans will need another rehab assignment before returning to the Rays. He's been on Tampa Bay's disabled list since April 10 with shoulder tendinitis.

'Lunch-pail prospect' promoted to majors

Clay Zavada, the "lunch-pail prospect" of the BayBears that I wrote about last month, has been promoted to the major leagues. He'll be in the bullpen tonight for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The left-handed pitcher left baseball two years ago and juggled a job and college classes. He'd go to class at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville from Monday through Wednesday, drive 200 miles home to Streator, Ill., and deliver furniture Thursday through Saturday, give pitching lessons on Sunday and drive back to Edwardsville.

Price has new pitch, searching for past success

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- A dozen baseballs sit before David Price, who takes time to sign every one while his Durham teammates swirl past in a crowded clubhouse.

Seven months removed from pitching in the major-league playoffs, Price admits he’s struggling with the Triple-A Bulls, hopes it doesn’t last much longer and isn’t worried that it will.

“I’m not very good right now,” Price said. “That’s all right. Pitchers go through that stuff.”

Price, one of the top prospects in baseball, had a meteoric rise through the Tampa Bay system last year, including a nine-start stop with the Biscuits. But now he’s scuffling back in the minors.

Price admitted in spring training that he wasn’t sure how he’d react in the low-intensity minors after experiencing the high-pressure playoffs. It’s still a concern.

“That’s tough, but that’s part of it,” Price said. “I have to be able to adjust. That’s something I’m still working on.”

Price is just 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA in six starts and his control hasn’t helped him while he’s also muzzled with a strict pitch count.

Price has 16 walks and 21 strikeouts to his credit in 24 2/3 innings. Alarmingly, his last start, in which he threw a season-high 79 pitches, lasted four innings and included five walks and no strikeouts.

“Mr. Price is going through the growing pains every young pitcher goes through,” Bulls pitching coach Xavier Hernandez said. “Just because he was the No. 1 pick doesn’t exempt him from struggling.

“How he responds to these difficulties will define him as a pitcher.”

Price admits his slider has been “bad,” he said, because “I haven’t thrown it enough.” He’s also been working on a new pitch, a spike curveball that may or may not be successful.

Price is trying it in the minors to see if it can be a quality major-league pitch.

“We’ll see if it’s a feasible pitch for him,” Hernandez said. “The only way to find out is to throw it in game situations.”

K.D. Kang leaves extended for Hot Rods

Outfielder K.D. Kang has been promoted from extended spring training to low-Class A Bowling Green. Kang played in junior college at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City before the Rays drafted him in 2006.

Checking on Bulls in Gwinnett

I know some Biscuits fans headed up here over the weekend. I couldn't make it until today to see the Durham Bulls take on the Gwinnett Braves. Nice-enough stadium here in ... let me see ... Lawrenceville, Ga. The seats are tight on the lines, so we can't see into the corners from behind home plate.

Talked to some of the Bulls before the game, most for a story that we're planning for just before the draft. Talked for a while to Elliot Johnson, Reid Brignac and Wade Davis. David Price was friendly as usual, though he added: "I know I stink right now." He's 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA and 16 walks in 24 2/3 innings.

The Bulls added pitcher Joe Bateman from extended spring training Sunday and are still awaiting infielder Joe Dillon's arrival. He's expected soon.

Biscuits bolster Barons to league awards

The Biscuits gave a helping hand to two Birmingham Barons' efforts to win the Southern League's weekly awards.

Infielder C.J. Retherford had two home runs and five RBIs Friday against the Biscuits. He was 8-for-21 with 11 RBIs and six extra-base hits last week. Pitcher Aaron Poreda's biggest positive was a five-inning no-hitter against West Tenn last Monday. Poreda also beat the Biscuits on Saturday, allowing three earned runs in six innings.

Henderson a little hairy at start of Somerset season

A little birdie strongly recommended that I check on former Biscuits pitcher Brian Henderson at his new team's Web site, specifically Henderson's picture.

When he was with the Rays, he couldn't show off such as he now displays with the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League. Tampa Bay didn't allow minor leaguers to have facial hair. The Patriots either have no such rule or Henderson neglected to pack any razors AND there are none available in the Northeast.

Dillon coming from A's in Kennedy swap

Infielder Joe Dillon will join Triple-A Durham from the Oakland organization to complete the Adam Kennedy trade, the St. Petersburg Times reported Saturday night.

Dillon hasn’t played this season and spent last year with Milwaukee. He played in 56 games with the Brewers and 46 at Triple-A Nashville.

Durham's Ruggiano homers thrice

Durham outfielder Justin Ruggiano hit three home runs tonight in the Bulls' 7-0 win over Gwinnett. He hit a grand slam in the third, went back-to-back with Reid Brignac in the fourth and cracked another solo in the sixth. He hit a groundball in the eighth.

Pete LaForest hit three homers for the Bulls on June 21, 2005.

Barnese throws three innings in extended

Pitcher Nick Barnese threw three innings in an extended spring training game Saturday, farm director Mitch Lukevics said, though it's not certain when Barnese might leave and join one of Tampa Bay's affiliates.

"We like to get our guys up to five innings, if possible, before they go out," Lukevics said. "Right now, he's still in spring training mode."

Barnese, who ranks seventh on Baseball America's Tampa Bay prospect list, didn't break spring camp because of a shoulder issue.

Hellickson to start throwing program

The Rays are being cautious with Biscuits pitcher Jeremy Hellickson and his recovery from a shoulder injury.

Hellickson will start a throwing program Monday with hopes that he'll return later this month. He'll throw from 45 feet and from flat ground Monday before working up.

"The target date we have is May 23," manager Billy Gardner said.

Circus atmosphere for series finale

The Biscuits and Barons finish their five-game series tonight at a circus-like Riverwalk Stadium. It's Circus Night and the Biscuits will have games and entertainment in the grass area in right field.

Riverwalk also has a sinking feeling today. The grounds crew has fixed a small sinkhole that popped up in shallow center field.

Lineups ...
CIRCUS NIGHT
dunking booth
balloon dart board
milk bottle throw
fortune teller
"Monte's Butter Toss" -- throw beanbags, not real butter
stilt walker
jugglers
clowns

BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Jason Bowers, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Rashad Eldridge, dh
Jason Perry, rf
Cesar Suarez, 3b
J.T. Hall, lf
Matt Spring, c
Drew Anderson, 2b
Ryan Morse, lhp

BARONS
Rob Hudson, ss
C.J. Retherford, 2b
Tyler Flowers, c
Brandon Allen, dh
Dayan Viciedo, 3b
David Cook, cf
Stefan Gartrell, rf
Lee Cruz, lf
Javier Colina, 1b
Aaron Poreda, lhp

Kennedy now headed to majors

Adam Kennedy, a day after being traded from Durham to the A's organization, is now going to the major leagues. The A's purchased his contract from Triple-A Sacramento this afternoon. Kennedy, a longtime major-leaguer, was to have reported to Sacramento.

Biscuits sweep Rays' April honors

Center fielder Desmond Jennings (right) and pitcher Jeremy Hellickson, both with the Biscuits, won Tampa Bay's minor-league player and pitcher of the month awards for April.

The two learned of the honor after Montgomery's 14-9 loss to Birmingham.

Jennings hit .349 with 17 runs scored and 16 RBIs in 21 April games. Hellickson was 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA in five starts. His totals included eight walks, 33 strikeouts and 18 hits allowed in 28 innings.

Party like it's a team unearned run

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna. I always celebrate the statistical anomaly that we just witnessed at Riverwalk Stadium. Stand up and cheer. We have a team unearned run. Hip, hip, hooray.

Ryan Reid gave up six runs in the sixth inning, but only three were earned because of an error with none out. Neal Frontz came in and served up a home run on his first pitch. The run to Frontz is earned ... to Frontz and not to the Biscuits.

To quote the rule (10:16 (i)): "The relief pitcher shall not have the benefit of previous chances for outs."

Beckham has aching abdominal muscle

Barons shortstop Gordon Beckham is out today and will likely miss Saturday's series finale at Riverwalk with an abdominal ache. Beckham has some lingering leg issues, which were first thought the reason for his absence today.

Rays trade Adam Kennedy to A's

Infielder Adam Kennedy has been traded from Tampa Bay to Oakland for a player to be named. Kennedy was with Triple-A Durham.

Kennedy was St. Louis' regular second baseman last year and signed a minor-league deal with the Rays in February. The 33-year-old had a .280 average in 23 games with the Bulls.

Durham already lost an infielder this week when Elliot Johnson went on the DL with a broken thumb.

4:50 update: Also, former Biscuits outfielder Joey Gathright has been dealt from the Cubs to the Orioles for outfielder Ryan Freel. Gathright is headed to Triple-A Norfolk. (I picked a good time to check mlbtraderumors.com this afternoon.)

Riggans' rehab interrupted; Beckham out, too

Updated ...

Rehabbing major-league catcher Shawn Riggans was originally scheduled to be the designated hitter tonight for the Biscuits, but Thursday's shoulder problem has caused a change in plans.

Riggans isn't in the lineup tonight and will see Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham on Monday.

Riggans is here and currently on the field for batting practice. (I arrived as the Biscuits were finishing infield. He was taking part in what I saw, but that only entailed him catching the ball and flipping it to manager Billy Gardner.)

Riggans was supposed to catch five innings Thursday. He left in the fourth after aggravating his right shoulder. Riggans is on Tampa Bay's disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis.

Barons shortstop Gordon Beckham also isn't in the lineup tonight. He also left early Thursday and has had some leg problems late. Just a day of rest for him.

Otherwise, you can read about former Biscuit Wes Bankston, now of the Louisville Bats.

Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Rashad Eldridge, lf
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Jason Perry, rf
J.T. Hall, dh
Fernando Cortez, 3b
Drew Anderson, 2b
Ian Paxton, c
Jason Bowers, ss
Jason Cromer, lhp

BARONS
John Shelby, cf
Rob Hudson, ss
Tyler Flowers, c
Brandon Allen, 1b
Dayan Viciedo, 3b
David Cook, rf
Lee Cruz, lf
C.J. Retherford, dh
Javier Colina, 2b
Kyle McCulloch, rhp

Longoria a magazine cover boy

Evan Longoria is the cover story in the latest ESPN the Magazine.

Riggans aggravates shoulder; status TBA

Catcher Shawn Riggans aggravated his right shoulder on a pickoff throw to first before leaving Thursday's game.

"He felt something in there," manager Billy Gardner said. "It was an awkward-type throw and he aggravated something."

Riggans will be re-evaluated Friday, Gardner said. He's scheduled to be the designated hitter in Friday's game.

Shortstop Brandon Chaves left after two innings with a tight left hamstring. He slipped coming out of the batter's box on a first-inning groundout, but talked Gardner into staying in the game. Gardner pulled him after watching him on defense, including a second-inning error.

Riggans leaves early after foul ball

(11:15: See post above for better information.)
=====

Rehabbing major-league catcher Shawn Riggans, scheduled for five innings of defensive duty tonight, left with two outs in the top of the fourth. It looked like Riggans may have gotten hit by a foul ball. He went to the mound to visit pitcher Heath Rollins, manager Billy Gardner soon joined them, and Riggans left the game.

Riggans seemed to wince with pain when he threw back to Rollins after the foul ball.

Riggans, on Tampa Bay's DL with shoulder tendinitis, went straight up the tunnel to the clubhouse with trainer Lee Slagle right behind him.

Bronze Bomber here to cheer Barons

There's one fan at Riverwalk Stadium that we hopefully won't see take any of his usual swings tonight.

Deontay Wilder, an Olympic bronze medalist boxer, is here to watch the Barons and Biscuits. He was at the State House today for the passage of a bill creating a state boxing commission.

Wilder, who said he's cheering for the Barons, played baseball when he was in junior high in Tuscaloosa. His pitching and his height left him with an easy nickname.

"They called me the Wild Thing," Wilder said. "I had speed on my ball and I was a tall kid."

Wilder is now known as the Bronze Bomber -- a play on Joe Louis' Brown Bomber -- and is 4-0 as a professional. His next fight is May 23 in Cincinnati. He hopes to have the first fight in his home state some time in August.

"We made a big issue that we can fight for our country, but we can't fight in our state," Wilder said. "We've been working for this for a few years and they finally passed it."

If you want to watch a sports writer, a Tuscaloosa News sports writer, stand up to Wilder, click HERE.

Biscuits not set on non-Hellickson rotation

The Biscuits have yet to finalize how they'll stack up their starting rotation with Jeremy Hellickson shelved due to his shoulder.

Sunday's off day leaves Montgomery with some flexibility. Brandon Mann appears certain to move into the rotation. He was supposed to be in the rotation at the start of the year and pitched well after Hellickson left Tuesday. But where will Mann go?

The rest of the starters could move up a game because, with the off day Sunday, that will leave them on their usual schedule of four days' rest, and Mann goes fifth. Or Mann goes in the series opener.

"It's a work in progress as we speak," manager Billy Gardner said.

If the rotation moves up a game, that could be a sign that Hellickson's injury is more severe than the Biscuits have previously said. Montgomery plays 30 straight days (six straight five-game series) after Sunday's off day. Moving everyone up would make it hard for Hellickson to return and be the No. 1 starter.

Rains leave in time for Biscuits-Barons

The tarp is off and the grounds crew is busily at work preparing the (still quite moist) field for tonight's game. The Barons, perhaps believing there would be a rainout, made a late departure on the bus commute from Hoover and arrived about 5:20.

Current radar has a small storm around Maplesville that is headed this way and another in western Autauga County that should go to the south.

Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, rf -- another shot in right
Brandon Chaves, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Shawn Riggans, c -- scheduled for 5 innings
Jason Perry, dh
Rashad Eldridge, cf
J.T. Hall, lf
Cesar Suarez, 3b
Jason Bowers, 2b
Heath Rollins, rhp

BARONS
John Shelby, cf
Gordon Beckham, ss
Tyler Flowers, c
Brandon Allen, 1b
Dayan Viciedo, 3b
David Cook, lf
Stefan Gartrell, rf
Lee Cruz, dh
C.J. Retherford, 2b
Brian Omogrosso, rhp


6:55: There's still some standing water on the warning track in the left-field corner. Hence, the game won't start until 7:20 while they work on it.
7:17: Water hanging around. Start time moved to 7:45.
7:40: Make that 8.

Hellickson officially hits DL

Jeremy Hellickson went on the disabled list with his shoulder injury today and the Biscuits activated Brian Baker. That gives them an extra arm for what could be a trying stretch without their No. 1 starter.

Manny draws 50-game suspension

Superstar Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. According to Yahoo, it wasn't a steroid that tripped the test. It was a sexual enhancer.

Salas released by Indians

Juan Salas, the former Biscuit who reached the major leagues as a pitcher, was released today by the Cleveland Indians.

The Rays designated Salas for assignment in the offseason and traded him to the Tribe for minor-league infielder Isaias Velasquez, who is with low-Class A Bowling Green. Salas did not pitch in a game this season.

Also today, the Pensacola Pelicans finalized a contract with former Biscuits outfielder Francisco Leandro and Wilcox County native Clegg Snipes, who played in college at Troy.

Nothing new on Hellickson

Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson will definitely miss his next start after hurting his shoulder Tuesday, but the Biscuits had no further information after Wednesday's loss.

Hellickson was in uniform and in the dugout for Birmingham's 13-4 victory, regular duty for the day after a start.

"He watched the game like any other fan today," manager Billy Gardner said.

Snooze bar, snooze bar

Yawn, snore, etc. Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Brandon Chaves, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Shawn Riggans, dh
Rashad Eldridge, lf
Jason Perry, rf
Fernando Cortez, 3b
Matt Spring, c
Drew Anderson, 2b
Aneury Rodriguez, rhp

BARONS
John Shelby, cf
Gordon Beckham, ss
Tyler Flowers, c
Brandon Allen, 1b
Dayan Viciedo, 3b
David Cook, lf
Stefan Gartrell, rf
Lee Cruz, dh
C.J. Retherford, 2b
John Ely, rhp

Hellickson sprains shoulder muscle

Jeremy Hellickson suffered a mild sprain of a shoulder muscle (the supraspinatus) and will likely miss one start.

He said he felt discomfort on a throw to first and told Montgomery's staff about it at the end of the inning. The bullpen immediately started warming up.

"I told them it didn't feel right on the pickoff," Hellickson said. "They made the decision to take me out. I didn't know what it was, but there was a little discomfort in there."

Hellickson out of game; injury??

Jeremy Hellickson has left tonight's game after two innings and signs are he potentially may be injured.

Brandon Mann is in after Hellickson allowed one run on two hits. I didn't notice anything from Hellickson when he left the mound, but it was odd when Mann started warming up.

Trainer Lee Slagle was up the tunnel and walked down to the dugout before reporting something to pitching coach Neil Allen and Rays pitching coordinator Dick Bosman. Slagle also called or e-mailed someone from his Blackberry.

The Rays have some big brass here, but they're still in their seats: assistant general manager Gerry Hunsicker, farm director Mitch Lukevics and field coordinator Jim Hoff.

Hellickson is Montgomery's top pitching prospects and has been productive over the first month of the season. The right-hander entered tonight with a 2-1 record and a 1.93 ERA. Hellickson had allowed 18 hits and just one home run in 28 innings with eight walks and 33 strikeouts.

Riggans plan runs through Saturday

Shawn Riggans will catch just five innings tonight in his rehab debut with the Biscuits.

The plan calls for Riggans to be the designated hitter for Wednesday morning's game, catch five innings again Thursday and be the DH on Friday. He'll catch seven innings Saturday and then the Rays will re-evaluate Riggans, who has missed almost a month with shoulder tendinitis.

Jason Perry signs, joins Biscuits

Outfielder Jason Perry, formerly of the Braves, has signed with Tampa Bay and is joining the Biscuits.

Perry was with Mississippi last year and reached the majors with Atlanta.

The Biscuits are deactivating pitcher Brian Baker to make roster space.

Riggans hitting cleanup; Biscuits pay rent

Catcher Shawn Riggans is making his rehab debut with the Biscuits, who are putting him in the middle of their batting order. Riggans will hit fourth and catch tonight in the series opener with Birmingham.

The Biscuits also made their quarterly rent payment last week and it totaled $118,513.31. The team has paid more than $3.6 million in rent since Riverwalk Stadium opened in 2004.

The talent-laden Barons make their first stop at Riverwalk this year. Five of the top six White Sox prospects are with Birmingham, including No. 1 Gordon Beckham and No. 3 Aaron Poreda, who threw a five-inning no-hitter Monday.

If you're coming out this week (or any time over the next month), the Biscuits are distributing major-league All-Star ballots. They'll be on the concourse or in the Biscuit Basket. Former Biscuits Evan Longoria , B.J. Upton , Elijah Dukes and Delmon Young are on the ballot.

Tonight's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Desmond Jennings, cf
Brandon Chaves, ss
Rhyne Hughes, 1b
Shawn Riggans, c
Rashad Eldridge, lf
J.T. Hall, rf
Fernando Cortez, 3b
Cesar Suarez, dh
Drew Anderson, 2b
Jeremy Hellickson, rhp

BARONS
John Shelby, cf
Gordon Beckham, ss
Tyler Flowers, dh
Brandon Allen, 1b
Dayan Viciedo, 3b
David Cook, lf
Stefan Gartrell, rf
C.J. Retherford, 2b
Jared Price, c
*Lucas Harrell, rhp

*--The Barons had a game rained out Monday and bumped previously scheduled John Ely.

To end the suspense for Tampa Bay's top minor leaguers in April, I'd cast my vote for Desmond Jennings and Darin Downs. Jennings has been strong despite making essentially a two-level jump to Montgomery. Downs may be a Florida State League veteran, but a complete game is an achievement.

Longoria top AL hitter for April

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has won the American League player of the month award for April. The former Biscuit twice won the AL's weekly award.

Suns' Santos continues hot start

Can the Biscuits at least claim to have helped with this?

Suns right-hander Jarrett Santos won the Southern League's weekly pitching award after throwing six shutout innings of three-hit ball Thursday against Mobile. Santos had five no-hit innings vs. the Biscuits in his first start April 25, which officially doesn't count toward today's award. This year, Santos has thrown 21 scoreless innings, allowing five hits and three walks.

Also, Mobile's Cyle Hankerd won the hitter's award. He was 15-for-22 with 10 RBIs, five doubles, three home runs and six runs scored last week. Hankerd leads the league in hitting and slugging percentage.

Riggans to rehab with Biscuits

Former Biscuits catcher Shawn Riggans will return to the team for this week's home series with Birmingham on a rehab assignment. Riggans, who was with the Biscuits in 2004-05, went on Tampa Bay's disabled list with shoulder tendinitis April 10.

Crabs raise $2,400 for charity with pink sale

The Stone Crabs fetched $2,400 for breast cancer awareness by auctioning the pink jerseys they wore Friday.

Let's hear it: top Rays' minor-leaguer for April?

Who do you think should win Tampa Bay's monthly awards for April? The Rays name a pitcher and a position player.

I want to see some voting -- and some explainin'. Obviously, you don't have to go just off the list below.

HITTERS
DUR Reid Brignac, .282, 7 RBIs, 9 runs, 7 2Bs
MGM Rhyne Hughes .272, 9 HRs, 17 RBIs, 16 runs, 1.039 OPS
DUR John Jaso .291, 7 RBIs, 8 runs, .852 OPS
MGM Desmond Jennings .349, 17 runs, 16 RBIs, .994 OPS
PCH Greg Sexton .319, 15 RBIs, 11 runs
DUR Jon Weber .275, 10 runs, 8 RBIs, 13 walks

PITCHERS
BWG Jamie Bagley 2 hits, 1 unearned run allowed in 12.1 innings, 4 saves
DUR Wade Davis 2-0, 2.95 in 4 starts, 14-11 Ks-walks in 18.1 innings
PCH Darin Downs 4-0, 1.75 ERA in 4 starts, 1 complete game, 19-2 Ks-walks
PCH Matt Gorgen 9 shutout innings, 3 saves in 5 appearances
MGM Jeremy Hellickson 2-1, 1.93 in 5 starts, 33-8 Ks-walks
MGM Eduardo Morlan 1-1, 2.03 ERA in 8 games, 13-inning scoreless streak
DUR Dale Thayer 11.1 shutout innings over 9 appearances, 7 hits

Ballot box closes either when I get to Riverwalk Stadium on Tuesday or the Rays name actual winners, whichever comes first. At that point, I'll share my votes.

Bulls extend hands, put rings on fingers

The Durham Bulls are having their AL championship ring ceremony after tonight's game with the Columbus Clippers.

They have seven players who will get the good stuff from the Rays: Chad Orvella, John Jaso, Elliot Johnson, Reid Brignac, Mitch Talbot, Justin Ruggiano and David Price. Also, manager Charlie Montoyo and pitching coach Xavier Hernandez get some jewelry.