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Kiermaier to return to Rays' lineup after 2-month absence

Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays are getting their Gold Glove center fielder back, as manager Kevin Cash told MLB Network Radio that Kevin Kiermaier will be in the team's lineup Friday against the Seattle Mariners for the first time since June 8.

"I just got off the phone with (Kiermaier)," Cash said. "I am thrilled, he is in the lineup tonight."

Kiermaier will bat in the leadoff spot Friday night.

Kiermaier suffered a hairline fracture in his hip after an awkward slide to first base against the Chicago White Sox. He was later put on the 60-day disabled list, causing him to miss the following two months.

In 62 games this season, the 27-year-old outfielder owns a .258/.329/.408 slash line with seven home runs.

The Rays optioned outfielder Mallex Smith to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

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