I’m not an expert on these things, but the rain that had been soaking the inside of Kauffman Stadium now appears to be snow.

No word yet if they’ve banged the game, though.

–Bill Chastain

The tarp is getting placed on the field in Kansas City with the Rays trailing the Royals 1-0 after 3 1/2 innings of play.

The chances of getting this one in don’t look good based on what I’ve seen of the weather forecast, but stranger things have happened. One thing is for certain: They are going to do everything they can to get this one in because the Rays don’t play the Royals in Kansas City again this season.

Early-season weather problems always add complications to Major League schedules. Earlier in the season the Rays had a game rained out in Boston, which will be made up in June.

–Bill Chastain

Luke Scott has been activated and is ready to play after struggling with a strained right calf.

To make room for him on the 25-man roster, Shelley Duncan was designated for assignment.

–Bill Chastain

Tampa Bay just announced that they have acquired Minor League catcher Juan Apodaca from Texas for cash considerations.

Apodaca was in camp with the Rangers during Spring Training, but he incurred a forearm strain that put him on the disabled list to start the season. He will report to Triple-A Durham.

–Bill Chastain

They just pulled the tarp off the infield at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.  The projected starting time for the game is now 2:30 p.m. central time.

–Bill Chastain

Looks like today’s rain-delayedRays-Rangers contest at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will start sometime around 2:30 or 3 p.m. local time.

Right now it’s barely raining, but the tarp is still covering the infield.

–Bill Chastain

Just recalled Brandon Gomes was asked by a reporter what he had learned during his three days in Durham. To wit, the right-hander answered: “That I can still ride a bus.”

Kid cracks me up.

–Bill Chastain

Rays just announced that right-hander Jeff Niemann has been placed on the disabled list with right-shoulder soreness.

In Niemann’s place, the Rays have recalled right-hander Brandon Gomes from Triple-A Durham.

–Bill Chastain

Here’s who the Rays will start Wednesday night against the Orioles at Tropicana Field:

Jennings, CF

Rodriguez, LF

Zobrist, RF

Longoria, 3B

Duncan, DH

Escobar, SS

Roberts, 2B

Lobaton, C

Johnson, 1B

Hellickson, RHP

–Bill Chastain

Here’s who the Rays will be starting today against the Orioles in the first game of 162:

Jennings, CF

Fuld, RF

Zobrist, 2B

Longoria, 3B

Joyce, LF

Escobar, SS

Loney, 1B

Molina, C

Johnson, DH

Price, LHP

–Bill Chastain