"Jason Isringhausen is poised to make the biggest save of his career.

The 36-year-old right-hander arrived in camp Saturday morning after signing a minor-league contract with the Rays in hopes of finding a role in Tampa Bay's deep bullpen.

Isringhausen is a two-time All-Star and registered a franchise-record 217 saves in seven seasons with the Cardinals, but elbow problems and a right hand laceration limited him to 42 appearances in 2008.

"Things got stale in St. Louis and it was time to go," said Isringhausen, who has a home in Tarpon Springs. "My main thing is staying healthy after a long year. Now I get a fresh start and we'll see what happens. I had flexor tendon surgery in September and I'm good to go. There's an opportunity here, but I know I have to go out and pitch well."

Isringhausen, who broke into the majors with the Mets in 1995, will wear No. 44 and he is the 63rd player at Rays camp.

"He's a great teammate and a great competitor," said new Rays 2B Adam Kennedy, who played with Isringhausen the past two seasons in St. Louis. "Both of us have some work to do here. When Jason's right, he has an overpowering fastball and his curve has always been one of the best."

Manager Joe Maddon is excited at the prospect of adding a veteran hand to the bullpen mix.

"He walked in today and talked to me for 10 minutes and I felt like I knew Izzy for 10 years," Maddon said. "He could be a big boon for us if we get him well. I know one thing - you're not playing at the end of the year without a bullpen."

FIRST IMPRESSION

Carlos Hernandez will take the mound first for Tampa Bay in Wednesday's spring opener.

Maddon said he is intrigued by the 28-year-old southpaw, who was signed to a minor-league contract last summer but hasn't pitched in the majors since 2004 because of a succession of shoulder injuries.

"He's a very competitive young man and I think there's a lot left there," Maddon said regarding Hernandez, who posted a 1.04 ERA in six starts with Vero Beach last year. "There's something about him I like."

Maddon also said the Rays are likely to field their usual starting lineup in Port Charlotte for the Grapefruit League opener against the Reds, but he plans on yanking his regulars early.

GETTING THEIR CUTS

Rays batters faced live pitching Saturday for the first time this spring and hitters predictably struggled to make contact against an array of impressive young arms.

"Today, I saw my first slider of the year," said 1B Carlos Pena, who was proud of lofting a few fly balls to center off 26-year-old prospect Julio DePaula. "At this time of year, the ball looks like it's coming at you 110 miles an hour. You have to settle in, go back to the basics and just try to make contact. Everything is on the pitcher's side right now - they have a feast with us.""