Cobb settling back into routine

TORONTO -- After a scoreless outing against the Athletics last week, it appears Alex Cobb has adjusted well in his return to the Rays after missing six weeks with a left oblique injury.

But he forgot all about getting back into a routine on the road.

"It's fun," said Cobb, who went 6 2/3 innings in his first start since April 12 on Thursday. "You forget about the long journeys on the plane, sitting on the busses, waiting for customs, getting to the hotel late, sleeping all day. It's a lot of fun, more fun than it sounds."

The 26-year-old righty is due to take the mound against the Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Oblique injuries have a reputation for being tricky, but Cobb said there are no lingering doubts in his mind about his recovery.

"There are never any thoughts other than pitching when I'm on the mound," said Cobb, who is 1-1 with a 1.40 ERA through four starts this season. "I think peace of mind comes from pitching [batting practices], rehab assignments, simulated games. That was the all peace of mind I needed to go into it worry-free, and the further away from the injury we get, the less it becomes an issue."

Rays manager Joe Maddon said having Cobb back in the rotation adds stability.

"He's that guy that shook us up a little bit [when he was out]" said Maddon. "We were missing him."