Rocco Watch is on

Posted Aug 1, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Aug 1, 2008 at 06:23 PM

Rocco Baldelli is slated to play seven innings in right field tonight for Montgomery against West Tenn on the final day of his rehab assignment.

Joe Maddon said before the game he assumes Baldelli will make his way back to St. Pete sometime tomorrow to get checked out by the Rays’ medical staff, and he didn’t rule out Baldelli being activated as soon as tomorrow.

“I can’t say it’s impossible, but I have not discussed that specifically with Andrew [Friedman] for tomorrow,” said Maddon. “But I can’t say that it’s impossible.”

Baldelli would not be a full-time player for the Rays, so if he comes through tonight with no complaints, it’s conceivable that he could be deemed ready. The Rays could throw him straight into the fire against lefty Kenny Rogers, but that would seem to fly in the face of the cautious approach they have taken so far. Or, they could give him a couple more days to rest and mull their various options before making a move.

Whatever happens, Maddon indicated something more definitive about the next step for Baldelli should be known by tomorrow.