For starters: Smith is in CF and batting leadoff – Tampabay.com (blog)

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.

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.

The need arose.

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.

The As are throwing righty Andrew Triggs.

The As lineup features a pair of former Rays C Stephen Vogt and RF Matt Joyce.

Here are the lineups:

AS

R. Davis CF

Joyce RF

Lowrie 2B

K. Davis DH

Alonso 1B

Healy 3B

Vvogt C

Pinder SS

Brugman LF

Triggs

RAYS

Smith CF

Dickerson DH

Longoria 3B

Morrison 1B

Souza RF

Rasmus LF

Beckham SS

Robertson 2B

Sucre C

Cobb RHP

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For starters: Smith is in CF and batting leadoff - Tampabay.com (blog)