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PARIS -- Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen will replace Kimi Raikkonen for Lotus in the final two Formula One races of the season. Joe Flacco Youth Jersey . Raikkonen will miss the United States Grand Prix and Brazilian GP to undergo back surgery. He is joining Ferrari next season. The 32-year-old Kovalainen has raced in 109 GPs for Renault, McLaren and Caterham, securing one win at the Hungarian GP in 2008 and three other podium finishes. He has been a test driver for Caterham this year. "Jumping into a car so late in the year when you have not been competing in the races all season will be a challenge, but I know the team at Enstone well so I have no concerns about getting up to speed," Kovalainen said. "This is a great opportunity for me, so I would like to thank Tony Fernandes and Caterham F1 team for allowing me to take advantage of it." His appointment comes after seven-time champion Michael Schumacher turned down Lotus offer to drive in the final two races. "We had to move quickly following the news of Kimis non-participation in the final two races of this season, and we found ourselves facing a difficult decision," Lotus team principal Eric Boullier said. "On the one hand we had our reserve driver Davide Valsecchi -- who is a talented young driver that has shown a great deal of promise -- and on the other we had the opportunity to bring in a seasoned Formula 1 competitor." Before making his decision to have surgery, the 34-year-old Raikkonen had criticized the team for not paying his salary this season and threatened to pull out of the final two races in protest. He had to be persuaded to race in Abu Dhabi but skipped his media obligations on the Thursday before the race. He pulled out of the race on the first lap because of suspension damage after a minor collision. Before that, tensions had surfaced within the team at the Indian GP. Raikkonen was upset when he was ordered by the teams trackside operations director, Alan Permane, not to hold up teammate Romain Grosjean. Ray Lewis Ravens Jersey . -- Center Max Unger and tight end Zach Miller are both probable for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday against the New York Giants and Percy Harvins recovery continues to be slow. Marquise Brown Ravens Jersey . -- Having already fallen behind because of the NFL lockout, Blaine Gabbert couldnt afford a lengthy holdout. http://www.ravensrookiestore.com/Ravens-Iman-Marshall-Jersey/ . The Raptors have been outscored 88-66 in the opening quarter over a three-game span to begin the month of February. Their most recent loss, 109-101 in Sacramento on Wednesday, was eerily similar to Saturdays defeat at the hands of the Trail Blazers.TORONTO – The absence of Jose Reyes from manager John Gibbons lineup is forcing the skipper to do some less than desirable juggling. The star shortstops injury has been mitigated, somewhat, by the surprising offensive contribution of his replacement, Jonathan Diaz, but the bottom of the order remains subpar in an offence heavy division. Then theres the number two spot in the order, vacated by Melky Cabrera, whos moved into Reyes leadoff role. Colby Rasmus has occupied the bridge to Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion since Tuesday night in Tampa Bay. Hes off to a slow start this season with just two hits in 22 at-bats (.090), striking out at a 40 per cent clip (10 times in 25 plate appearances). The sample sizes are small and the Blue Jays believe Reyes will return on April 16, the day hes eligible to come off the disabled list, or soon after. Still, manager John Gibbons has considered something he did last year for part of the time Reyes was down, bumping up Bautista and Encarnacion in the lineup. "We thought about it," said Gibbons. "Right now we want to kind of split the lefties up as much as possible, as far apart as we can. Colbys had some success in that two-hole in the past. Right now, the way hes swinging its not ideal but, like I said, I think hes close." For his career, Rasmus has struck out in 24.2 per cent of his plate appearances. Thats not an ideal number for a top of the order guy and its why the Blue Jays, when healthy, dont use him there. "Hes going to strike out," said Gibbons. "Thats the kind of player he is. Hes going to have some strikeouts. But I think hes real close." "I dont ever like living with strikeouts," said hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, who says he speaks to Rasmus daily. "I think theres a way to patch things up, patch up holes and get yourself into a position with a mindset and an approach to where it gives you a better chance to barrel it up and not be vulnerable in certain counts, certain pitches, certain locations." It may surprise you to learn Rasmus has played more games batting second, 239 times in his career, than in any other spot in the order. It isnt close, either. Hes hit fifth 138 times, his second-most frequeent spot in the order. Hayden Hurst Jersey. Rasmus former manager, Tony La Russa, often hit him second. Those two are linked for their infamous falling out, although that wasnt related to Rasmus spot in the lineup. Seitzer is working with him on an adjustment related to where Rasmus hands start when the pitcher comes set. Previously, Rasmus had been starting his hands away from his body, effectively out and over the plate. He now starts with his hands closer to his body. "Hes not comfortable with it because its new," said Seitzer. "He hit all winter and all spring and I kind of had to let him go with his thing, getting to know him and getting used to him and then seeing what happens once the season starts. Were working on making adjustments. Hes just got to get himself in good position to give himself the best chance." The hitting coach wants the player to see the adjustment through. "I dont care where guys start their hands as long as they get to their launch position in time, on time, every time. Thats the only chance you have to hit big league pitching," said Seitzer. HAPPS REHAB START J.A. Happ was scheduled to make a rehab start for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays on Saturday evening, weather permitting. Happ is on the disabled list, back dated to March 26 so hes eligible to return on April 10, with back inflammation thats plagued him since early in spring training. ROSTER MOVE The Blue Jays designated right-hander Jeremy Jeffress for assignment after Friday nights game. The intention was to recall Chad Jenkins from Triple-A Buffalo. In fact, the Bisons had issued a press release to that effect. Turns out Jenkins isnt eligible to join the Blue Jays until April 10 because, as a player optioned to the minor leagues, hes required to spend 10 regular season days in the minors. In Jenkins place is Marcus Walden, whose contract was purchased and the player added to the 40-man roster. Walden, a 25-year-old right-hander, was a ninth round selection of the Blue Jays in the 2007 draft. To be clear on the option rule: there is an exception to the 10-day window for players recalled due to injury. Erik Kratz is an example. He was recalled when J.A. Happ was placed on the disabled list. ' ' '