Cash happy to get Loney back in lineup

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays first baseman James Loney will make his return to the lineup this weekend after he was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list following the Rays' 5-4 loss to the Indians on Thursday.

Loney had been sidelined since May 25 after he fractured his left middle finger sliding as he attempted to steal third.

In 30 games before the injury, he batted .275 with two home runs and 11 RBIs, and rejoins the Rays when they are struggling offensively, having recorded just 18 hits during a five-game losing streak.

"He's going to help [offensively], there's no doubt about that," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. "We're excited to have him back. To be able to plug our first baseman that we anticipated being with us all year back in the lineup, that'll help."

In a corresponding move, the Rays optioned right-hander Preston Guilmet, who tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings on Wednesday, to Triple-A Durham.