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Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

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Aybar’s injury opens door for Blalock to make team

Posted Mar 25, 2010 by Roger Mooney

Updated Mar 25, 2010 at 12:06 PM

ROGER MOONEY

PORT CHARLOTTE This is why the Rays signed Hank Blalock to a minor league contract earlier this month: because you can never have too much depth.

Rays manager Joe Maddon this morning said infielder Willy Aybar could miss the start of the season with a left hamstring injury that occurred Monday, a development that would likely open a roster spot for Blalock, who can play both corner infield positions and could possibly add depth at designated hitter as a left-handed hitting alternative to the right-handed Pat Burrell.

Aybar was scheduled to DH on Sunday against the Pirates in Bradenton but didn’t play because the game was rained out. He last played Saturday when he was in the lineup at first base.

Aybar’s progress this spring also took a hit with a wrist injured suffered the first week of camp.

While Aybar is batting .313, he’s had only 16 at-bats.

“(The hamstring injury) and the wrist injury have put him behind a little bit,” Maddon said. “That could impact the beginning of the season, also.”

Blalock, who singed a minor league contract March 8, has played first base and designated hitter. He is scheduled to play third base Sunday against the Pirates at Charlotte Sports Park.

Aybar, a switch-hitter, served as the backup to Carlos Peña at first base and Evan Longoria at third. He was also used as a designated hitter and pinch-hitter.

Blalock could be used in the same role, though Maddon said Blalock’s ability to play third base is not the deal-breaker since Maddon feels comfortable using Sean Rodriguez as Longoria’s backup.

Maddon said earlier this week that Blalock could push his way into getting more at-bats as the designated hitter should he make the team.

“I continue to like what Hank’s doing,” Maddon said.

Burrell is receiving significant playing time in the outfield, but Maddon said he’s not yet looking at Burrell as an outfield option during the regular season.

“I still say probably not, but he’s done a nice job out there,” Maddon said. “Pat really throws well. He’s got a good arm. He’s not the fastest guy range-wise, but technically he does a lot things well. The way he stays behind the ball, the way he plays, he understands the game well. I’m gaining a better appreciation for him regarding that just by seeing him out there more. But the plan is still not to use him in the outfield.”