Status of Aybar still uncertain

ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

FORT MYERS – Willy Aybar didn’t play Wednesday against the Twins in Fort Myers, but he might play Thursday against Cleveland in Winter Haven.

Or, he might not.

Rays manager Joe Maddon didn’t present a clear picture on the status of his opening Day third baseman, who has been nursing a sore left hamstring for nearly two weeks.

“Still not ready,” Maddon said before the game. “(Trainer Ron Porterfield) wanted him to take another day. We’ll see what it looks like (Thursday).”

Aybar hasn’t started since last Saturday and that start came a week after his previous start. The third baseman who joined the team in an offseason trade with Atlanta for pitcher Jeff Ridgeway, has had just two at-bats since March 16.

Maddon said Aybar’s lack of playing time isn’t a factor.

“Not yet. I really don’t think so yet,” Maddon said. “I want to get him some at-bats, but this guy played a lot this winter. My biggest concern would be timing at the plate more than anything.”

Maddon anticipates Aybar returning the lineup soon. But he felt the same Tuesday when he said Aybar would play against the Twins.

“It was one of those situations if we wanted to push him he could play right now,” Maddon said. “Ronnie is not quite satisfied. He did everything well (in running drills Tuesday), but he’s just not there. Ronnie does a good job listening to how people talk to him, and the kid said he’s fine, but Ronnie is not totally convinced. We’ll push it back another day because of the response.”

And for the season opener Monday in Baltimore?

“I’m still anticipating he’s going to play,” Maddon said. “I’ve not heard anything that leads me to believe he won’t.”