Rays manager Kevin Cash said Pearce (calf) is expected to DH in Thursday's Grapefruit League game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pearce would likely spend just one game as designated hitter before slotting in at first base for Friday's contest. He mostly figures to get his at-bats from those two spots this season, but the Rays may also give him occasional starts in left field.