By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 18, 2012

Rays vs. Braves

When/where: 4:10 today; Tropicana Field

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers

RAYS:

RH Alex Cobb (0-0, 0.00)

BRAVES:

RH Randall Delgado (2-3, 3.79)

On Cobb: Called up to replace injured RHP Jeff Niemann, Cobb went 3-2 with a 3.42 ERA in nine starts for the Rays last year. He was 1-4 with a 4.14 ERA in Triple-A Durham this season.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 18, 2012

Rays vs. Braves

When/where: 4:10 today; Tropicana Field

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers

RAYS:

RH Alex Cobb (0-0, 0.00)

BRAVES:

RH Randall Delgado (2-3, 3.79)

On Cobb: Called up to replace injured RHP Jeff Niemann, Cobb went 3-2 with a 3.42 ERA in nine starts for the Rays last year. He was 1-4 with a 4.14 ERA in Triple-A Durham this season.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 18, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays right-hander James Shields was arguably one of the best pitchers in interleague play last season, winning three of four starts and throwing three complete games against National League opponents.

But Shields took the blame for Friday night's 5-3 loss to Atlanta after his two-out walk and his throwing error in the fifth inning sparked a two-run rally that gave the Braves the lead for good.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 18, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Alex Cobb figured he'd get called up to fill in for injured RHP Jeff Niemann, packing and preparing all week as if he would be starting tonight against the Braves.

But it still felt good for Cobb, 24, to get the news Thursday afternoon, validating manager Joe Maddon's message to him after optioning the pitcher to Triple A in spring training.

"When I got sent down, Joe told me I'd be a big part of the season this year," Cobb said. "You never want to get called up due to injury, but it makes me realize that they do have trust me in me and believe that I can fill the spot okay."