--RHP Mitch Talbot is being called up from Class AAA Durham to work in long relief, and RHP Jason Hammel will get a more significant bullpen role while RHP Troy Percival is on the DL. Talbot, 24, was 7-6 with a 4.41 ERA in 17 starts for the Bulls.

--LF Carl Crawford, after a hot stretch following his return from suspension, is in an 0-for-17 slump.

--2B Akinori Iwamura rejoined the lineup and was back in the leadoff spot after completing his three-game suspension.

--RHP Matt Garza has responded well to the Rays' request to keep his emotions under control. In four starts since his June 8 confrontations with C Dioner Navarro, Garza is 3-1 with a 1.55 ERA. "It's fun to watch," manager Joe Maddon said.

--Manager Joe Maddon has been suggesting that three Rays -- C Dioner Navarro and LHPs J.P. Howell and Scott Kazmir -- should be candidates for the American League All-Star team, but now he's pushing for a fourth, RHP Dan Wheeler. "Danny's been solid, his numbers are fantastic (2-3, 1.88 ERA, two saves), he's been really consistent," Maddon said.

BY THE NUMBERS
15 -- Pitches in June 28 at-bat off Pittsburgh's Damaso Marte by Jonny Gomes, who hit a pinch-hit homer.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"They're not going to go away, we know that. They know we're not going away -- or they should. If they don't, shame on them." -- Rays reliever Trever Miller, on the Red Sox.

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