Despite earlier suggestions from Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon that Casey Kotchman would have the lion’s share of playing time at first base, Dan Johnson is once again manning the first bag.

It is quite possible that Sam Fuld is at fault for the recent diversion. The speedy outfielder has played himself into more playing time, awing crowds with his stellar defensive play and holding his own on the base paths. His strong performance has pushed Johnny Damon in the DH role and subsequently Dan Johnson back to first base.

The Rays lineup for today, courtesy of MLB.com:

Sam Fuld, LF
Johnny Damon, DH
Matt Joyce, RF
Dan Johnson, 1B
Ben Zobrist, 2B
B.J. Upton, CF
Felipe Lopez, 3B
John Jaso, C
Reid Brignac, SS

It appears Felipe Lopez will get another shot at third base after looking somewhat below average defensively against the Chicago White Sox, where he misplayed two pop-ups.