Travis

Harper

Harper has a 5.25 ERA since the All-Star break. Brandon Backe is expected to take over his setup role.

Harper, who has a 4.93 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP in 42 innings of relief, will be reevaluated after a two-week rehab period. If he’s still having troubles, the Rays might have to shut him down for the year.

Harper is among those competing for the closer’s job in Tampa Bay. Seay has a chance to make the team as a lefty reliever, but he won’t be in the mix for saves.

It looks like Harper will get back in action for the Rays in 2006 after all, but he wasn’t exactly a useful fantasy option before he got hurt.

Harper isn’t a strikeout pitcher and might not have another game like this during the remainder of the season. Don’t expect Harper to be much of an asset in ERA or WHIP. He’s only worth owning in AL-only leagues because he could record a save about once per month.

That’s the midpoint between his request for $840,000 and the team’s offer of $650,000. He also can earn $20,000 bonuses for 55 and 60 games pitched. Harper shouldn’t have to worry about beginning the season in the minors again. Of course, he shouldn’t have had to worry about it last year either. Over the last two years, he has a 3.83 ERA in 171 2/3 innings of relief work.

But he was the last man in the pen? No, he was the third reliever in the game for the Rays. Lou Piniella should be fired immediately. Sure he has a lousy pen, but that’s in no small part because of his obvious misuse of just about every young pitcher he gets his hands on.

Harper rested a sore shoulder the previous six days.

Maybe his sore shoulder is still a problem. If not, he could be on the verge of losing his roster spot, though he probably shouldn’t be. He still had a 1.27 WHIP and an 18/9 K/BB ratio in 27 2/3 IP entering today’s game. He’ll go back to being a useful middle reliever.

Harper had missed the previous couple of games to be with his wife, who gave birth.