Damian

Rolls

Rolls, who isn’t suited to being an everyday player, has seen his average fall to .245, with only one RBI in his past seven games and no extra-base hits in his past 13. Antonio Perez played his first career game at third base in place of Rolls. Perez will return to second base today when Marlon Anderson begins serving his suspension.

Rolls is expected to be activated Tuesday.

Rolls is expected to be ready to play when the Rays return home Tuesday. Lou Piniella, though, said the Rays might wait to make sure Rolls is fully recovered before activating him.

Rolls continues to rehab by taking swings at extended spring training.

It looks like Rolls and Blum are still competing for playing time. “Just look at the spring training numbers and go strictly on that, (Rolls is) the third baseman when we open the season in Japan,” Pineilla said. “But I don’t know if we’re going to go strictly by the numbers. After a couple of sakes, we’ll find out.”

Rolls, who was optioned to Class AAA last week and was playing second base for the Bulls, was batting .250 in Durham.

Barring any setbacks, Rolls could be activated before the end of the month.

Rolls, who hopes to return to the Rays’ lineup by the end of June, will have to go out on a rehab assignment before returning to the majors.

Rolls said his bruises had healed but he still has a bone chip in his right hand. He hopes to return later this month.

Rolls collided Jose Cruz on May 23. He could be out at least two more weeks.