"The familiar smile that shone through the dark days and then helped transform the Tampa Bay Rays into a perennial playoff contender returned Tuesday to Tropicana Field.

Its owner, Carlos Peña, officially rejoined the Rays, having passed a morning physical.

"I'm glad to be back," Peña said. "As simple as you can explain it, I'm happy to be a Ray again."

And the Rays are happy to have Peña back.

The Rays' former first baseman was welcomed back Tuesday afternoon on a series of billboards throughout the Tampa Bay area."