Glover could be on way out

Posted Jul 27, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Jul 27, 2008 at 06:00 PM

KANSAS CITY—Gary Glover accompanied the Rays on the first leg of this trip, but he was not on the team charter to Toronto this afternoon, flying home to Tampa instead.

Considering Joe Maddon acknowledged before today’s game that Glover is ready to come off the 15-day disabled list, his departure probably means he will be designated for assignment by tomorrow.

That probably would have happened last Sunday when the Rays needed a roster spot for Troy Percival, as Glover was clearly the most expendable pitcher in the bullpen. But rather than cutting him loose then, they put Glover on the DL with a left calf strain suffered before the All-Star break. Two days later, Glover was able to throw at full speed to hitters with no difficulty, so obviously the injury wasn’t terribly serious at that point.

Glover threw about 40 pitches yesterday, prompting Maddon to say, ““He’s about ready, so we’ll have to make a decision.”

It appears the decision already has been made.