Scouting report: Orioles vs. Devil Rays

August 04, 2000|By Roch Kubatko

At Tropicana Field, Tampa, Fla.

Day Time TV Starters

Tonight 7:15 Ch. 13 Jose Mercedes (6-4, 4.73)

vs. Travis Harper (major-league debut)

Tomorrow 4:15 Ch. 54 John Parrish (1-1, 4.85)

vs. Tanyon Sturtze (2-2, 6.42)

Sunday 1:15 None Sidney Ponson (6-7, 5.42)

vs. Ryan Rupe (3-4, 7.97)

Radio: All games on WBAL (1090 AM) and WTOP (1500 AM)

Devil Rays update

Tampa Bay is all that separates the Orioles from last place in the AL East, but that could change in the next three days. The Devil Rays are two games behind the Orioles. They had won six in a row before losing their last two to Cleveland. They hold the distinction of having the worst record within their division (8-18). They also have one of the worst home records at 22-30. The Devil Rays were busy retooling this winter, but the moves haven't paid off. Vinny Castilla, acquired from Colorado, is on the disabled list for the third time. Jose Canseco was activated July 18 after missing 46 games with a strained heel. In recent days, the Devil Rays have traded pitchers Rick White, Steve Trachsel, Jim Mecir and Mark Guthrie, and outfielder Bubba Trammell. Outfielder Gerald Williams remains, and his 27 RBIs in July were a club record for one month. The Devil Rays are 2-4 against the Orioles this season, with the teams splitting four games in Tampa.