Bartlett returns to Rays’ lineup

Posted Aug 15, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Aug 15, 2008 at 05:49 PM

ARLINGTON, Texas—Jason Bartlett is back in the lineup at shortstop for the first time since Aug. 3 as the Rays prepare to open a three-game set at Rangers Ballpark.

Bartlett made his first appearance on defense in the 12th inning of yesterday’s game in Oakland, committing an error on the first ball hit to him. That was a fielding miscue, but throwing has been the problem since he was hit in the right index finger by a Fernando Rodney pitch nearly two weeks ago while attempting to bunt.

Updating: Bartlett said he’s still a bit nervous because he hasn’t been able to make a throw to first base in a game situation and just wants to get that behind him.

“I know it’s bad, but I keep picturing balls sailing or throwing a cutter over there,” he said. “I just hope adrenaline takes over, I make a good throw and it’s past.”

Also, Dioner Navarro gets a day off today after starting all three games in Oakland, which gives Shawn Riggans an opportunity to drive in some more runs.

That lineup change will prevent a reenactment of what went down the last time Matt Garza started here—the confrontation between he and Navarro that ended up being the turning point in the right-hander’s season. Garza has posted a 3.57 ERA in 11 starts since that June 8 game here.

Josh Hamilton will be in the lineup for the Rangers after missing yesterday’s game in Boston to be with his wife after the birth of their third child.

Finally, Juan Salas will wear jersey No. 52. He wore 53 last year, but that number was assigned to Chad Bradford when he joined the team recently.

The lineup:

Iwamura 2B
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Floyd DH
Aybar 3B
Hinske LF
Gross RF
Riggans C
Bartlett SS
Garza P