24-year old lefty David Price burst onto the scene during the playoffs and World Series in 2008 when he worked as the Rays’ closer. But he is a starting pitcher so the Rays gave him his big shot in the rotation last season and it did not go as well as planned. Price started 23 games for the Rays in 2009 and he was 10-7 with a 4.42 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. This season Price looks like the pitcher he was advertised to be. He has started 13 games for the Rays this season and he is 10-2 with a 2.31 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He has only given up 70 hits in 85 2/3 innings this season while whiffing 64 batters showing that his stuff has been outstanding. The only blemish so far on Price’s year has been his control as he has walked 35 batters already this season. If he tightens up his control a bit he will be even more dominant which is good news for Rays’ fans.

The Rays have released 30-year old righty swinging 1B Ryan Shealy. Shealy played in 48 games in AAA-ball this year and he was 41 of 172 (.238 avg, .866 OPS) with 27 runs scored, 10 homers and 38 RBIs. This will actually help Shealy find another gig in a organization that can give him a legit shot at working his way back to the majors. With Tampa he would be blocked by Carlos Pena, Hank Blalock and Dan Johnson.

30-year old righty swinging shortstop Jason Bartlett has played in 48 games this season for the Rays and he is 42 of 182 (.231 avg, .657 OPS)with 25 runs scored, 1 homer, 22 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. But Bartlett played in 137 games for the Rays last season in which he was 160 of 500 (.320 avg, .879 OPS) with 90 runs scored, 14 homers, 66 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. Personally I would just give him his starting job back despite the solid play of Reid Brignac in his absence. It’s looking more than likely that 24-year old lefty swinging Reid Brignac will be platooning with 25-year old righty swinging Sean Rodriguez at 2B for now. Brignac has played in 51 games for the Rays this season and he is 44 of 145 (.303 avg, .788 OPS) with 22 runs scored, 2 homers, 23 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Rodriguez’ bat has caught fire due to the regular P.T. he was getting after Bartlett got hurt. Rodriguez has played in 45 games for the Rays this year and he is 36 of 125 (.288 avg, .800 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 4 homers, 21 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. But he’s a wild swinger as he has already whiffed 41 times this season while only walking 5 times. It’s still possible that the Rays could entertain trading Bartlett if Brignac and Rodriguez continue to hit well which would save them some cash and net them some decent prospects or help for the bullpen.

The Rays have placed 34-year old righty swinging outfielder Gabe Kapler on the 15-day disabled list with a right hip flexor strain. Kapler has played in 38 games for the Rays this year and he is 18 of 83 (.217 avg, .582 OPS) with 17 runs scored, 1 homer, 8 RBIs and 1 stolen base. The Rays have recalled 28-year old righty swinging outfielder Justin Ruggiano to replace Kapler on the roster. Ruggiano has played in 44 games in AAA-ball this year and he is 51 of 175 (.291 avg, .786 OPS) with 33 runs scored, 4 homers, 19 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. He has played in 52 games the last two years for the Rays and he is 18 of 90 (.200 avg, .561 OPS) with 11 runs scored, 2 homers, 10 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Ruggiano’s stay with the Rays will likely be a short one ending when Jason Bartlett comes off the D.L.

The Rays should really be in the market for a lefty reliever to team with 34-year old Randy Choate. Choate should only be pitching to lefty hitters which is when he is most effective. But because he’s the only lefty in the pen he has been used against some righty swingers this year. Choate has pitched in 30 games (0 starts) for the Rays so far this season and he is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP as he has 16 whiffs in only 15 innings showing that the stuff is still there to succeed. Choate was solid for the Rays last season working in 61 games (0 starts) in which he was 1-0 with 5 saves, a 3.47 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Hopefully Choate can get into a groove and start pitching like he did last year.