Aybar still expected to start season at third base

ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

DUNEDIN – Despite having just two at-bats in since March 16, Rays manager Joe Maddon expects Willy Aybar will be ready to play third base by Opening Day on March 31 in Baltimore.

The third baseman has started just once since March 15 because of a hamstring injury. That start was against the Pirates on March 22 in a game that was stopped by rain after two innings. Aybar did have an at-bat that day, grounding out to shortstop in the second inning.

Maddon said he’s not concerned with Aybar’s lack of work during the last 10 days.

“Not really,” Maddon said. “Of course I would like him to get more at-bats, but this is a guy who played winter ball. He was swinging the bat pretty well prior to the injury, so I’m not overly concerned.”

Maddon said Aybar will be his Opening Day third baseman on Monday, just a half hour after rookie third baseman Evan Longoria was sent to Triple A Durham.

Eric Hinske played third base Tuesday against the Blue Jays. Elliot Johnson may get a another look there as well. He played three innings there Monday.

Maddon said Aybar participated in running drills Tuesday morning and expects Aybar to return to the lineup Wednesday when the Rays travel to Fort Myers to play the Twins. If not Wednesday than Thursday against the Indians in Cleveland.

“We’re being cautions with that,” Maddon said.