Mallex Smith, recalled today from Durham to replace the injured Kevin Kiermaier, will start tonight in centerfield and bat leadoff as the Rays open a four-game weekend series against the As. <\/p>\n
Smith began the season with the Rays and was batting .261 with a .346 on-base percentage in 23 at-bats over nine games before going on the DL with a hamstring injury. <\/p>\n
He was optioned to Durham once he recovered. <\/p>\n
The Rays acquired Smith from Seattle in January moments after Seattle acquired him from Atlanta in part because he can play center and serve as a backup for Kiermaier, should the two-time Gold Glove-winning centerfielder get hurt. <\/p>\n
The need arose. <\/p>\n
Alex Cobb returns to the mound with an extra day of rest after allowing a career-high 14 hits and a career-high nine runs in Seattle last Saturday. <\/p>\n
The As are throwing righty Andrew Triggs. <\/p>\n
The As lineup features a pair of former Rays C Stephen Vogt and RF Matt Joyce. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Here are the lineups: <\/p>\n
AS <\/p>\n
R. Davis CF <\/p>\n
Joyce RF <\/p>\n
Lowrie 2B <\/p>\n
K. Davis DH <\/p>\n
Alonso 1B <\/p>\n
Healy 3B <\/p>\n
Vvogt C <\/p>\n
Pinder SS <\/p>\n
Brugman LF <\/p>\n
Triggs <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RAYS <\/p>\n
Smith CF <\/p>\n
Dickerson DH <\/p>\n
Longoria 3B <\/p>\n
Morrison 1B <\/p>\n
Souza RF <\/p>\n
Rasmus LF <\/p>\n
Beckham SS <\/p>\n
Robertson 2B <\/p>\n
Sucre C <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Cobb RHP <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Follow this link:<\/p>\n
For starters: Smith is in CF and batting leadoff - Tampabay.com (blog)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Mallex Smith, recalled today from Durham to replace the injured Kevin Kiermaier, will start tonight in centerfield and bat leadoff as the Rays open a four-game weekend series against the As. Smith began the season with the Rays and was batting .261 with a .346 on-base percentage in 23 at-bats over nine games before going on the DL with a hamstring injury. He was optioned to Durham once he recovered. Continue reading