Rays active Scott, designate Duncan for assignment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Rays activated Luke Scott from the disabled list and put him into the starting lineup as their designated hitter for Tuesday night's game against the Kansas City Royals.

Scott opened the season on the DL with a right calf strain. He went 4 for 18 with a double and two RBIs during a five-game rehabilitation assignment at Class A Charlotte before being activated.

The Rays cleared space for him by designating Shelley Duncan for assignment.

Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon also said that shortstop Yunel Escobar is doing "very well" as he deals with a tight right hamstring. Escobar has missed five starts since leaving the Rays' game against the New York Yankees last Wednesday.

It was unclear when Escobar would be ready to play.