By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 6, 2011
ANAHEIM, Calif. — As if the Rays weren't feeling bad enough about their recent struggles, several of them are feeling sick.
A stomach flu is making the rounds of the clubhouse, knocking centerfielder B.J. Upton and third baseman Evan Longoria out of the lineup Monday.
"We have a little bit of a bug among us," manager Joe Maddon said. "We just have it floating all over the place. … Some guys more severe than others."
The symptoms, which include throwing up and, well, other issues, seem to be lasting 24-48 hours. "I've had both," Upton said.
Upton wanted to play but looked so bad that Maddon decided to keep him out, hoping he might be available later in the game or at least by tonight.
"He wanted to play and all that and I looked at him and I said, 'You know what, let's see if we can get you well by the middle of (Monday night's) game, somehow feeling better and if we need you we'll use you at some point, otherwise get you ready for (tonight),' " Maddon said.
Longoria was scratched about 30 minutes before gametime and replaced by Sean Rodriguez.
Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.