Joe Maddon wasn't looking to leave, and Tampa Bay had no intention of letting him go.

The Rays rewarded their manager for leading them to last season's World Series, announcing a three-year contract extension yesterday that runs through 2012.

"This is where I belong. This is where I want to be," Maddon said during a conference call.

"I really have to use the word love when I talk about this organization, and I really see this as just the beginning. ... For me, it's a no-brainer. I really want to stay here, and I'm really grateful to get that opportunity."

Maddon, 55, is in his fourth season with Tampa Bay, which posted a winning record for the first time in 2008. He was voted AL Manager of the Year after leading the Rays to 97 regular-season wins, a 31-game turnaround from the previous year.

Tampa Bay started yesterday with a 23-23 record, four games behind first-place Boston in the AL East.

All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria, who is signed through 2013 with team options that run through 2016, was excited about Maddon's extension.

"Obviously I'm going to be here for a while, too," Longoria said. "So this is a great thing for me. I love playing for him, I think he's a great manager."

IWAMURA TO MISS REMAINDER OF SEASON

Tampa Bay second baseman Akinori Iwamura will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left knee.

The Rays placed the infielder on the 15-day disabled list in a series of moves. Tampa Bay also recalled left-hander David Price from Triple-A Durham, placed lefty Brian Shouse on the 15-day DL with a strained left elbow, transferred outfielder Fernando Perez to the 60-day DL and called up lefty Randy Choate from Durham.

Iwamura was injured trying to turn a double play in the eighth inning Sunday against the Florida Marlins and was carted off the field.

In 44 games this year, he hit .310 (48-for-155) with no home runs, 16 RBIs and eight stolen bases in nine attempts.

METS

DECISION ON REYES COMING FRIDAY

The short-handed Mets likely will decide Friday whether to put shortstop Jose Reyes on the disabled list.

Reyes hasn't played since Wednesday after hurting his right calf at Los Angeles, an injury that kept him out of seven games on a 10-game trip. He tested his legs before last night's series opener against Washington but didn't run hard.

"It's not ready yet to go full speed," Reyes said.

He hopes to return when the leg feels about 80-85 percent. If he isn't ready by Friday, the Mets would put him on the DL and backdate the move.

"Sometimes his 80 or 90 might be better than what we have," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said.

ELSEWHERE

Mariners: Seattle catcher Kenji Johjima likely will be out for at least two weeks after breaking his left big toe on a play at the plate early in the Mariners' 6-1 loss to Oakland yesterday. Johjima was hurt when Adam Kennedy slid into his foot while scoring the Athletics' first run in the first inning.

Brewers: Milwaukee recalled utilityman Frank Catalanotto to provide a veteran left-handed bat off the bench. Catalanotto, 35, signed with Milwaukee on May 12 and spent a week in extended spring training before a three-game stint at Double-A Huntsville.

Yankees: New York reliever Brian Bruney is headed back to the disabled list because of a recurring right elbow strain. Bruney pitched only once since being activated last Tuesday from the DL.

Indians: Right-hander Anthony Reyes may need season-ending surgery on his right elbow. An MRI on Reyes' elbow revealed an inflamed ulnar nerve.

Marlins: Florida placed reliever Renyel Pinto on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his left elbow.