With the recent trade of Richie Shaffer to the Seattle Mariners, the Tampa Bay Rays are seriously interested in bringing back Steve Pearce, as they are now in need of a right-handed platoon partner for Brad Miller at first base and as a designated hitter according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. However, the Rays would only consider do this if Pearce is healthy.
Pearce underwent successful elbow surgery in September to repair the flexor mass tendon with a recovery period estimated to be between four to six months.