--RHP Alex Cobb was called up from Class AAA Durham to make his second start Tuesday, and he should have an easier time of it if for no other reason than he has corrected the pitch-tipping issues that marred his first start. He lasted only 4 1/3 innings against the Angels on May 1. "We've really beared down on it, people have watched him very closely, and we're pretty confident that it's been rectified," manager Joe Maddon said. "I'd like to see him on a level playing field and see how he does."

--RHP Brandon Gomes was optioned back to Class AAA Durham to make room for RHP Alex Cobb, who was called up to start Tuesday. Gomes did well during his first month in the majors, posting a 3.09 ERA over 10 games, and manager Joe Maddon spoke highly of him. "Like his makeup, like his aggressiveness, like the pitches that he does throw," Maddon said. "I think he's going to be a very good major league reliever."

--RHP Jeff Niemann was impressive during a 45-pitch, three-inning simulated game Monday. He appears set to head out on a three-start rehab assignment that should have him back in the Rays rotation by around the middle of June. "We were going full-bore, and everything felt great," said Niemann, out since May 4 with a strained lower back. "I think we're ready to take the next step."

--1B Casey Kotchman didn't play Monday and likely won't again Tuesday due to a sprained right ankle. However, the Rays don't expect him to miss more than a few days, so they won't put him on the disabled list.

--SS Sean Rodriguez tied a team single-game record by making three errors Monday, two on throws and the third on a groundball. Previous Rays to err as much: INFs Kevin Stocker (2002), Jason Smith (2002), Alex Gonzalez (2005) and Josh Wilson (2007) and C Dioner Navarro (2009).

--DH Johnny Damon went 0-for-4 but drew a walk, extending his streak of reaching base to 24 games. It's the second-longest active streak in the majors behind the 31-game run of Florida LF Logan Morrison.

BY THE NUMBERS
52 -- Games into the season the Rays went without making more than one error in a game; Monday they made three, all by SS Sean Rodriguez.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"One of our less impressive games overall." -- Manager Joe Maddon, after the Rays' 11-5 loss to the Rangers on Monday.

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