Tampa Bay Rays News and Notes: Matt Joyce to DL, Hank Blalock to Minors

As I am writing this, I am watching the first game of the regular season between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Josh Beckett just gave up a two-out RBI single to Brett Gardner. That’s unacceptable.

The team that will be chasing the Red Sox and Yankees all season will be the Tampa Bay Rays. Let’s see what is going on with the Rays right before they take the field against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.

Matt Joyce hits the DL

Joyce was slated to be the Rays’ starting right fielder in 2010, and if Sean Rodriguez hits during the regular season like he did in spring training, Joyce may never see the field this year.

Joyce was placed on the DL yesterday because of a right elbow strain, opening up the door for Rodriguez to take over in right. Rodriguez hit .460 with six home runs in 63 ABs this spring.

Hank Blalock heads to the minors

Blalock’s back was already against the wall when he entered Rays camp, and he didn’t help himself with his performance in the 15 games he played.

In 15 games, Blalock hit .167 with one home run. With that lack of production, coupled with his lack of versatility, the Rays didn’t have much use for the former Texas Ranger.

After being adamant that he would not accept a minor-league assignment earlier in the week, Blalock caved and will head down to Triple-A Durham. This decision came down to playing baseball in Triple-A or risking not playing baseball at all in 2010.

Easy decision for Hank.

Reid Brignac makes the Rays

The guy who beat out Blalock for the final spot on the Rays was former second-round pick Reid Brignac. Let me just say that Reid Brignac is one of my favorite names in baseball.

Reid Brignac sounds like a guy who should be on Melrose Place rather than the shortstop for the Rays. He sounds like a guy who has feathered hair and glistening white teeth.

Brignac and his feathered hair (I have no clue if that is true) will serve as the Rays’ backup middle infielder in 2010. He can play both second and short.

Brignac had a cup o’ coffee with the Rays last year and hit .278 in 31 games.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg