Lance

Carter

Carter, Tampa Bay’s lone All-Star as a closer last year, is expected to act as Danys Baez’s setup man this season.

He felt much better yesterday after taking anti-inflammatory medication. It looks as if the Rays’ righthander will avoid a DL stint for the time being.

Carter will resume his duites as the Rays’ setup man in Florida this evening.

Carter had surrendered three runs in two innings since rejoining the Dodgers on May 19. He’ll return as a middle reliever later on.

Carter gave up one run in 8 1/3 innings during his 18 days in the minors. He’ll resume working in middle relief.

Carter has allowed 10 runs in his last 10 innings of work. ''He’s struggling. We might lessen his role a little bit, get him back sharp and use a combination. We’ll see,’' Piniella said. ''Sometimes the best thing to do when a guy is struggling somewhat is to back him off a little bit and get him back together.’' Carter owners shouldn’t panic. It’s very likely he’ll still have his job once he gets straightened out.

He threw a season-high 79 pitches as he held the Blue Jays in check after relieving ineffective starter Scott Kazmir.

None of Piniella’s recent plans have survived more than two or three days, so this is nothing to get too excited about. Still, Carter really is the only pitcher Piniella can trust in close games right now.

Carter, named Tampa Bay’s closer last weekend, has allowed one run in 8 1/3 innings this season.

It’s going to take more than one bad outing for Carter to lose his job. He’s still 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA this year.