Rays employing DH spot to keep Myers fresh

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays rookie Wil Myers has served as the team's designated hitter four times in his past eight games, including Saturday night's contest against the Yankees, but both Myers and manager Joe Maddon insist nothing is wrong.

"I like it," Myers said. "DH is fun. There are no problems physically -- I'm fine. Joe said I'm not used to playing late in September and October. He just wants to make sure I'm rested."

Myers' increased time at DH is at least partially related to Luke Scott's lower back injury, which landed the veteran on the disabled list. Scott has been Tampa Bay's primary DH this season.

Maddon prefers to rest Myers for the stretch run and said the 22 year-old outfielder has no qualms about sitting down for half of a game.

"If we're going to play him in October, we need to take advantage of these moments," Maddon said. "There's no other reason. He could have played the outfield easily tonight. The most overriding point is he does not mind DHing. I've had young players in the past who do, and if it really bothered him, I would play him in the outfield."