Casey Kotchman has cleared all tests and was released from the hospital.

Great news. Kotchman was sent to the hospital as a precaution after experiencing tightness in his chest Tuesday, but it sounds like he'll be fine. Expect him to be back in the lineup for Wednesday's season finale.

Casey Kotchman (chest) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Yankees.

Kotchman was sent to the hospital as a precaution after experiencing tightness in his chest Tuesday afternoon. Sean Rodriguez will start in his place at first base while Reid Brignac plays shortstop.

Casey Kotchman (flu) is back in the lineup Sunday.

Kotchman was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup due to flu-like symptoms. He'll bat fifth against Blue Jays right-hander Brandon Morrow.

Casey Kotchman was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to flu-like symptoms.

He should be fine in a day or two. Sean Rodriguez replaced Kotchman in Saturday's lineup.

Casey Kotchman was one of five Rays to go deep in Friday's win over the Yankees.

Kelly Shoppach, Johnny Damon, Elliot Johnson and Evan Longoria also homered. Kotchman isn't known for his power, but he has four homers in 41 at-bats this month to go along with a .439 batting average. While his batting average on balls in play is likely unsustainable, he is worth using in mixed leagues while he's hot.

Casey Kotchman went 3-for-4 with a double in the Rays' shutout loss to the Yankees on Wednesday evening.

With 298 plate appearances through his first 81 games this season, Kotchman is now finally qualified for the American League batting title, and his .337 average is second behind only Adrian Gonzalez's .343 mark. Simply remarkable for a player that was a career .259 hitter through his first 2,088 at-bats coming into 2011.

Casey Kotchman reached four times Wednsday, going 3-for-4 with a walk against the Twins.

One of his hits was a double. Kotchman is batting a cool .343 for the Rays, and while he has just three homers in 233 at-bats, he's now collected 17 doubles.

Casey Kotchman doubled and ripped a solo homer in Thursday's loss to the Red Sox.

The longball -- his third of the year -- came against Alfredo Aceves in the sixth inning. Kotchman continues to swing a hot bat after returning earlier this month from an ankle injury, as he's batting .391 over his last six contests and sports a surprising .339 mark for the year. He'll come back to earth eventually, but for now he's worth using even in mixed leagues if you have an injury at first base.

Casey Kotchman went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's win against the Angels.

Kotchman sat out five games last week due to a sore ankle and had gone 1-for-11 since returning prior to Tuesday. He's been playing way over his head this season, posting a crazy .351/.405/.463 line over 134 at-bats. We can't recommend him as a mixed-league starter because he doesn't bring much power to the table -- with just two homers this year -- and is a near certainty to regress back to around his career .263/.330/.395 numbers as the season progresses.

Casey Kotchman returned to action on Saturday June 4.

Casey Kotchman (ankle) is back in the Rays' lineup Saturday.

He missed five games with a bum ankle, but he tested it out by taking swings and fielding grounders before Friday's game and didn't have any issues. Kotchman has a surprising .361/.417/.479 batting line this season.

Casey Kotchman (ankle) is out of the Rays' starting lineup for the third straight day Wednesday.

Kotchman hasn't played since leaving Sunday's game with a sprained right ankle, though it's not believed he will need a stint on the disabled list. Sean Rodriguez will make his first start of the season at first base Wednesday.

Casey Kotchman (ankle) is out of the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers.

Kotchman left Sunday's game with right ankle soreness, though Rays manager Joe Maddon doesn't think he will need a DL stint. Felipe Lopez will make the start at first base Monday and bat sixth against left-hander Derek Holland.

Casey Kotchman went 2-for-5 and hit his first homer Thursday versus the Twins.

Kotchman did strike out for the first time today, but he's hitting .312 in 32 at-bats since his callup. He's likely to keep earning more playing time over Dan Johnson.

Though Rays manager Joe Maddon didn't call it as such, Casey Kotchman and Dan Johnson have been in a platoon at first base.

Kotchman has been getting most of the playing time against right-handers lately, while Johnson has been playing against lefties. While Johnson is batting just .121 on the season, Kotchman is now up to .348 after singling in his first at-bat Saturday. Neither player is a desirable fantasy option.

Casey Kotchman, who was called up from the minors Friday, will be the Rays' primary first baseman moving forward.

And we're sufficiently underwhelmed. Dan Johnson will be the designated hitter on most nights while Johnny Damon will remain in left field. Kotchman batted just .217/.280/.336 with nine home runs and 51 RBI over 457 plate appearances with the Mariners last season, but he's at least worth a flier in AL-only leagues. Most fantasy owners should be able to do better, though.

Rays purchased the contract of 1B Casey Kotchman from Triple-A Durham.

Not the most exciting replacement for Manny Ramirez, but there you go. Kotchman could potentially see most of the time at first base, moving Dan Johnson to designated hitter. He's not going to provide a big boost for the Rays' offense and is a pretty underwhelming fantasy option, even in AL-only leagues.

Casey Kotchman has agreed to report to Triple-A Durham.

Kotchman actually had a pretty good spring with the bat, but was reassigned to minor league camp over the wekeend. The Rays are far from stable at first base, so there's still a chance he sees time with the big club this season.

Rays reassigned 1B Casey Kotchman to minor league camp.

Dan Johnson will be the team's first baseman. Also sent out were INF Felipe Lopez, INF Joe Inglett, OF Chris Carter, IN Ray Olmedo, C Craig Albernaz and OF Justin Ruggiano. With Lopez not making the team, that means Elliot Johnson will be part of the Opening Day roster.

Rays signed 1B Casey Kotchman to a minor league contract.

The deal was agreed upon last week. Kotchman, a native of Florida, was also given an invitation to spring training, where he will attempt to convince the Rays that he is worthy of a part-time gig at first base. He posted a highly disappointing .217/.280/.336 batting line and only nine home runs last season for the Mariners, but a change of scenery should help his cause.