Rays place Mallex Smith on 10-day DL

Rays outfielder Mallex Smith suffered a strained right hamstring in the series finale against the Yankees on Thursday and has been placed on the 10-day disabled list.

In a corresponding move, Tampa Bay purchased the contract of Shane Peterson from Triple-A Durham. He’ll serve as the team’s fifth outfielder in the meantime until Colby Rasmus (hip) is ready to come off a DL stint of his own. Once healthy, Smith will likely be sent down to Triple-A for further seasoning and regular playing time.

Smith was part of what turned out to be a three-team trade over the winter. He was initially dealt by the Braves to the Mariners, along with Shae Simmons, in exchange for minor-leaguers Thomas Burrows and Luiz Gohara. Smith was then flipped by the Mariners to the Rays in the deal that brought starter Drew Smyly to Seattle.

The speedy lefty-hitting Smith made the roster out of spring training despite having a bad spring at the plate. Through his first eight games this season, Smith slashed .273/.360/.318 with one double, three walks, two runs, and three stolen bases.