[MJHMarc]

(Source: Sports Network) Baltimore, MD- Tampa Bay Devil Rays ace Scott Kazmir has been placed on the 15-day disabled list and could miss the rest of the season because of tightness in his left shoulder.

The Devil Rays, following Friday's game in Baltimore, decided to make the roster move. With just five weeks left in the season, he could be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign but hopes to return sometime in September.

Kazmir, who was scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Orioles, missed two weeks from late July to early August with left shoulder inflammation.

The All-Star has a record of 10-8 with a 3.24 earned run average in 24 starts this season. He has 163 strikeouts in 144 2/3 innings pitched.

The Devil Rays have recalled pitcher J.P. Howell from Triple-A Durham to fill the vacant roster spot. He will start Sunday.

Howell made two starts for the Devil Rays when Kazmir was first disabled and posted a record of 0-1 with a 10.80 earned run average. With Durham, he was 5-3 with a 2.62 ERA in 10 starts.

08/26 13:03:20 ET

Uh oh. What do you guys make of this?

[EmpireWF]

A shame if it's anything serious. I recall he's been having issues with his arm as of late and has fallen from being one of the best pitchers in the game this year. I know Mets fans may have tainted feelings on the kid but I never root for injuries or anything of the kind.

Hopefully he can heal up and get ready for a 2007 season. No sense in rushing back this year for the D-Rays.