DENVER -- The Rays took another step toward solidifying the lineup they projected in spring with the return of infielder Steve Pearce.
Pearce went on the 15-day disabled list on June 21 after straining his right hamstring in a loss to the Indians, rehabbed for two games over the weekend with Class A Advanced Charlotte and was back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Rockies, playing first base and batting fifth.
"He's going to start at first and then we'll go from there," manager Kevin Cash said. "He does a good job of being able to move around.