Back fine after Scott takes first swings

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays designated hitter Luke Scott swung a bat on Friday for the first time since hitting the disabled list on Aug. 15 with back spasms.

Scott said that, barring any setbacks, he feels he will be ready on Aug. 30, the first day he is eligible to come off the DL.

"The back is doing much better," Scott said. "The spasms have calmed down. I've been resting. I've done some things in the pool to get blood circulating."

Tampa Bay has used Wil Myers and Kelly Johnson as its DH since Scott went down, but the club signed Delmon Young to a Minor League contract on Thursday. If Young is called up, he figures to see time as the DH against left-handed pitching.

Scott said that the signing of Young does not have him concerned about his own playing time.

"I know what I'm capable of, and so [does the front office]," Scott said. "They're big on matchups. This is about winning. It's not about an individual. We're in a special place to do a special thing. We have to earn a playoff spot and do whatever we can to make it happen."

Fans can also expect to see a clean-shaven Scott when he returns to the lineup, as his signature mutton chops recently met a razor. The rat tail hair style, remains, however.