Jon

Switzer

The Rays were considering giving Switzer a start, but Piniella isn’t sure he’s ready. Piniella also said that catcher Pete LaForest and outfielder Jonny Gomes will probably begin next season at Triple-A.

Lou Piniella doesn’t feel right about starting a rookie in a meaningful game.

Switzer, once one of Tampa Bay’s top prospectas a starting pitcher, cleared waivers in March after missing 2004 with a torn labrum and turning in a mediocre 2005 in Triple-A. Now that he’s having success as a reliever, he might not be far away from getting another chance in the majors. The Rays tried to rush him in both 2003 and 2005. He might actually be ready now.

Switzer’s promotion should have come before Edwin Jackson’s. The southpaw had a 0.87 ERA in 26 relief appearances for Triple-A Durham. He’ll be the first lefty in the Tampa Bay pen this season.

Switzer isn’t making a case to step into Tampa Bay’s rotation. He has a 6.16 ERA in four starts and one relief appearance since being sent down last month.

Hideo Nomo had another poor outing yesterday and could be on the verge of being replaced. Switzer and Travis Harper are the most likely candidates now that Casey Fossum is already in the rotation.

Switzer was pulled from Double-A Montgomery’s rotation so he could pitch twice in 18 days with the Rays. He allowed four runs -- three earned -- in four innings.

Switzer walked two, gave up three hits, and allowed an inherited runner to score. He has the potential to be a useful pitcher for the Devil Rays, but since he’s pitched in just seven games since returning from a torn labrum, that doesn’t figure to be now.

Switzer will probably get a start or two before the end of the season, but don’t pick him up in AL-only leagues.