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Marlins turn to Buente in finale with Rays

May 22, 2011 - 2:43 PM (Sports Network) - Florida took a big hit when its ace Josh Johnson went on the disabled list and now the Marlins must turn to Jay Buente, who will make his first major league start this afternoon at Sun Life Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays in the finale of a three-game series.

Fans in Florida and the front office for the Marlins are likely crossing their fingers as losing Johnson for an extended period of time would be a crushing blow. Johnson, who endured Tommy John surgery earlier in his career, is now on the DL with shoulder inflammation.

With Johnson on the mend, Buente will get a chance to showcase his talents in the Big Show. Buente has sparkled in a starting roll in Triple-A New Orleans, posting a 3-0 ledger with a 1.94 earned run average in 10 appearances.

As for the Rays they will turn to James Shields, who is looking to bounce back from just his second loss on the year. Shields began his season with a loss to Baltimore, but then won four of his next seven starts, and the Rays won each of those outings.

However, the last time Shields toed the rubber he surrendered four runs -- three earned -- on eight hits in seven innings. The right-hander allowed two home runs, but also struck out nine batters.

Shields has been very dominating on the road this season, posting a 3-0 mark and a 2.45 earned run average in four starts as the visitor. However, he will need to continue that success against a team he has struggled against. In eight career appearances -- seven starts -- the right-hander is 3-2, but carries a hefty 5.77 ERA with him.

Yesterday, Omar Infante slugged a two-run homer and Logan Morrison added a two-run double as Florida nipped Tampa Bay, 5-3.

Hanley Ramirez hit a solo shot for the Marlins, who have won the first two games in the series.

Javier Vazquez (3-4) worked seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while fanning seven. Leo Nunez hurled a scoreless ninth for his 17th save.

Johnny Damon hit a two-run single for the Rays, who stumbled to their sixth loss in eight outings. David Price (5-4) suffered the loss after yielding six hits and five runs over 6 2/3 frames.

The Marlins lead the all-time series with the Rays by a 42-33 margin, but Tampa Bay has played well since manager Joe Maddon took over, going 18-14 under the skipper. The Marlins won four of six meetings with the Rays in 2010.