S-Rod in CF, Soriano may pitch

Posted Mar 17, 2010 by Tribune Sports

Updated Mar 17, 2010 at 07:56 AM

PORT CHARLOTTE - A light drizzle greeted Rays players and coaches at Charlotte Sports Park as they arrived for today’s home Grapefruiit League home game against the Twins, and the weather doesn’t look great for later on.

There’s a 45 percent chance of rain at 1 p.m., and the temperature is supposed to only be 64.

Since the Rays played last night - a home 7-0 win against the Red Sox - there aren’t too man A-teamers in the lineup today. But No. 1 pitcher James Shields will take the mound and should be on his highest pitch count of the spring so far.

Sean Rodriguez, who smashed his fifth home run of the spring last night, will make his first start in center field. Also of note, top offseason acquisition Rafael Soriano, the Rays’ new closer, could make his Tampa Bay debut and pitch an inning. The Rays traded pitcher Jesse Chavez to the Braves for Soriano in December and signed him to a one-year contract worth about $7 million.

Here’s the full lineup:

Sean Rodriguez, CF
Gabe Kapler, RF
Willy Aybar, 3B
Hank Blalock, DH
Kelly Shoppach, C
Justin Ruggiano, LF
Reid Brignac, 2B
Ryan Shealy, 1B
Elliot Johnson, SS
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James Shields, RHP