Wells returns for Blue Jays

Vernon Wells made his spring training debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday and went 0-for-2 at the plate in a 15-4 pasting of the defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays.

Wells, 30, was the team's designated hitter in Dunedin, Fla., his first action since injuring his left hamstring during a conditioning drill in late February.

Manager Cito Gaston has said that Wells could see limited action in his usual centre-field position in games Saturday or Sunday.

Wells was limited to 108 games last season due to hamstring and left wrist injuries. He hit 20 home runs and drove in 78 runs, batting .300. Despite playing just two-thirds of the season, he led the team in home runs and was second in runs batted in.

Wells is in the midst of a seven-year, $126-million US contract extension he signed in December 2006.

The Blue Jays are 8-8 in spring training action. The team opens the regular season on April 6 with a home game against the Detroit Tigers.