Tampa Bay Rays starter Scott Kazmir is out for at least a couple of weeks, and closer Troy Percival's career may be over.

Both pitchers were placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday by Tampa Bay before the start of its series against the Florida Marlins.

Kazmir, who has a left quadriceps strain, remained with the team. The 39-year-old Percival, sidelined by right shoulder tendinitis, flew home to California to discuss his baseball future with his family.

Percival gave up two runs in one-third of an inning Thursday against Oakland.

"I spoke to him after the game," manager Joe Maddon said. "He felt he was inconsistent in how he felt, and his arm was really bothering him after the game. He was distraught, and he went home to think about things for a little bit. I wouldn't be surprised if he chooses not to come back."

Percival, a four-time All-Star, ranks eighth on the career saves list with 358. He's 6 for 6 this season but has a 6.35 ERA.

Kazmir is 4-4 with a 7.69 ERA. He said his thigh has bothered him since the Rays' series at Boston two weeks ago.

"I felt something," he said. "I felt I was putting way too much pressure on it, and I've been fighting it ever since. You feel it when you're landing."

The Rays recalled right-hander Dale Thayer and shortstop Reid Brignac from Triple-A Durham, and they'll make another move to call up a starter to take Kazmir's turn Monday at Cleveland. Maddon said he'll go with a closer by committee in Percival's absence.

CARDINALS

ANKIEL NOT READY TO RETURN FROM DL

St. Louis outfielder Ryan Ludwick might return from the 15-day disabled list before Rick Ankiel, who was eligible to come back Wednesday.

Ankiel has worked out with the team the past three days, but manager Tony La Russa said yesterday that the center fielder didn't appear close to coming back. Ankiel has a bruised right shoulder and overall soreness from a headfirst crash into the wall after running down a fly ball at the warning track earlier this month.

La Russa said Ankiel "still felt something" Wednesday.

Ludwick is eligible to return from a right hamstring injury next Friday and the Cardinals expect him to be ready immediately.

ELSEWHERE

Law and Order: Former major league pitcher Jerry Koosman, 66, pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion yesterday in Madison, Wis., and could face up to one year in prison. Koosman, an All-Star who helped the New York Mets win the 1969 World Series, failed to pay federal income taxes for 2002, 2003 and 2004, defrauding the government out of as much as $90,000, assistant U.S. attorney John Vaudreuil said. He also faces $25,000 in fines.

Reds: Cincinnati called up outfielder Jonny Gomes and right-hander Carlos Fisher from Triple-A Louisville. The Reds also called up right-hander Homer Bailey, a move they had announced a day earlier.

Orioles: Struggling pitcher Adam Eaton was released by Baltimore, which lost patience with the right-hander after he won only two of eight starts. Eaton is 2-5 with an 8.56 ERA.