Danny

Bautista

The corresponding move to Bautista’s activation will be made today. Bautista will go back to getting part of the at-bats in right field.

Bautista was benched because he was 0-for-5 with five strikeouts and a walk in his career against Oliver.

Jonny Gomes is a better internal candidate, and the Devil Rays also have Joey Gathright and Matt Diaz. Still, they won’t enter the season with any of them playing regularly if they can help it. If Bautista turns them down, Travis Lee could be brought back, pushing Aubrey Huff to left field.

That’s the right amount of money, but it’d still be a bad idea for Tampa Bay. At under $2 million, the Red Sox and Marlins could also be interested in Bautista. However, it doesn’t seem likely that Bautista would want to be a fifth outfielder in Boston and the Marlins would prefer a lefty bat to pair with Juan Encarnacion.

The Astros and Marlins are also interested in Bautista, who is probably looking at a one-year, $2 million deal.

Bautista’s problem has been staying healthy for a full season. Brenly thinks the right fielder’s line-drive swing has 40-double potential.

Bautista wants to prepare for a probable return to his starting job in right field with the Diamondbacks. The team is not expected to bring back Raul Mondesi.

It’s a career high for Bautista, who should continue to hit for a decent average. Those who were hoping right field might open up for Chad Tracy are going to have to hope the Diamondbacks will find at-bats for Tracy elsewhere.

Bautista could return by this weekend.

Bautista hoped to do some running and test his leg Friday but shut it down after it tightened while stretching.