Davis pulls home the trifecta

For the third time this season, Wade Davis was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the week for the week ending June 18. Davis had previously earned the honor two weeks in a row April 23-29 and April 30-May 5.

Davis earned the award on the strength of his start against the Jupiter Hammerheads on June 11, where he struck out a team record and career high 13 batters. The right-hander allowed just two hits in the game, both in the first inning, and did not walk anyone.

The 2004 third round pick from Lake Wales was rewarded for his efforts on Tuesday when he was promoted to the AA Montgomery Biscuits, the defending Southern League Champions. There he will be teamed with fellow top Rays' prospects, infielders Evan Longoria (3rd overall pick in 2006) and Reid Brignac (2nd round, 2004) as well as pitcher Chris Mason (2nd round, 2005). Overall, Davis went 3-0 for Vero Beach with a 1.84 ERA, recording 88 strikeouts in 78.1 innings.

Replacing Davis on the Vero Beach roster will be righthander Josh Butler. Last year's second round pick for Tampa Bay went 5-1 with a 2.33 ERA for the Columbus Catfish of the South Atlantic League.

The Rays still have a few seats available for their bus trip to Tropicana Field to see Tampa Bay take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 22. Cost of the trip is $60 for the general public and $55 for Silver Rays members. Call 569-4929 for more information or to register.