Joe

Kennedy

Kennedy has modest goals: ''I want to make the rest of my starts, stay healthy and not go back on the DL and finish strong.’' Manager Lou Piniella has him penciled in at the front of the rotation for the second half, but Kennedy has drawn interest from Toronto and Cincinnati.

This just means Jason Standridge won’t be needed to start this weekend.

Kennedy, 3-4 with a 5.83 ERA, will flip-flop starting assignments with Victor Zambrano to throw two bullpen sessions for pitching coach Chris Bosio.

Kennedy is driving towards the plate more, which Piniella said has resulted in his best velocity of the season. Wait and see how he fares against the Angels before activating him.

Kennedy left his last start after one inning with stiffness in the shoulder, but he says he is feeling better. If Kennedy is not able to start Friday, the Rays don’t yet have a plan as to who will start instead, other than saying it won’t be Steve Parris.

''We fully anticipate a two-week thing,’' manager Lou Piniella said. Kennedy will rest for 4-5 days, take some anti-inflammatory medication and then resume a throwing program.

The Rays will decide later in the week if Kennedy will miss his next start Friday or go on the DL.

The plan is for Kennedy to throw Thursday, then pitch at Double-A Orlando on Sunday before returning to face the White Sox.

Kennedy, out since June 1 with shoulder inflammation, will throw off a mound today. If there are no setbacks, he likely will make a rehab start at the end of the week.

Kennedy gave up three runs on six hits, walked one and struck out three. If he recovers well, he is scheduled to start Saturday against the White Sox.