Top pitchers to return to work

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — The big arms return to work Saturday when James Shields makes his first start of the spring.

“I’m kind of chomping at the bit, now,” Shields said. “It was good to rest. It was good to watch these young guys dominate. It gave us a boost in our step watching those young guys. It’s really good to have them show their stuff.”

Because the Rays reached the World Series and the fact spring training games are stretched over 39 days because of the World Baseball Classic, the Rays decided to give those who pitched in the postseason the first 10 days of the exhibition season off.

Shields will pitch Saturday at Charlotte Sports Park against the visiting Red Sox.

Scott Kazmir faces the Twins on Monday in Port Charlotte.

Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine and David Price will debut Tuesday against the visiting Blue Jays at Charlotte Sports Park.

Wade Davis will make the trip to Fort Myers on Saturday to face the Red Sox.

With four full weeks of games remaining, the pitchers will have plenty of time to build up for the regular season.

Opening Day starters
Shields will be the third Ray pitcher to make two starts on Opening Day. The other two are Wilson Alvarez (1998, 1999) and Kazmir (2006, 2007).

Here are all the Rays Opening Day starters:

Wilson Alvarez (1998-99), Steve Trachsel (2000), Albie Lopez (2001), Tanyon Sturtze (2002), Joe Kennedy (2003), Victor Zambrano (2004), Dewon Brazelton (2005), Scott Kazmir (2006-07), James Shields (2008-09).

Talbot better in second start

Mitch Talbot allowed only one run against the Puerto Rico National Team on Wednesday at Charlotte Sports Park.

The right-hander had better command of all his pitches. He allowed five hits in four innings, struck out three and didn’t walk a batter.

Heads up
The Rays lone run in the 2-1 loss to Puerto Rico came home in the fifth when Adam Kennedy dropped a two-out bunt with Fernando Perez on third.

Perez scored when the throw to first pulled first baseman Ramon Vazquez off the bag.

NOTEWORTHY
Troy Percival threw his first live batting practice of the spring Wednesday and looked fine, according to manager Joe Maddon ... The Rays have their first off day of the spring Thursday. They return to action Friday against the Pirates in Bradenton. First baseman Carlos Pena will make his first start of the spring at first base.