NEW YORK -- Another injury forced the Rays to shuffle their outfield mix ahead of Sunday’s game at Yankee Stadium.
As expected, the Rays placed Jonny DeLuca on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain and recalled outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. from Triple-A Durham. DeLuca exited Tampa Bay’s 4-2 win over the Yankees on Friday night in the seventh inning due to the injury, and manager Kevin Cash said afterward it was “likely” the athletic outfielder would miss time.
DeLuca said Friday night he was hoping for only a quick stint on the IL but lamented it was “just a bummer” to be sidelined after injuries limited him to 20 games last season.
With DeLuca and right fielder Jake Fraley sidelined, and outfield prospect Jacob Melton (sprained left ankle) also banged up in Triple-A, the Rays turned to the 24-year-old Mesa.
Mesa joined the Rays in a February trade with the Marlins after making his Major League debut for Miami last season. He was limited by injuries in Spring Training and recently spent nearly a month on the injured list due to a hamstring injury of his own, but he returned to Durham’s lineup on Wednesday.
Mesa was playing for Durham on Friday night, but he was pulled from the lineup shortly after DeLuca exited the game in the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. A left-handed hitter who can play all three outfield spots, Mesa slashed .188/.297/.344 in 16 games for the Marlins last season and was batting .329/.420/.543 in 18 games for Durham.
Tampa Bay could use Mesa to help address the need in right field created by the absence of Fraley and DeLuca. Ryan Vilade figures to be a big part of the solution there, especially against left-handed pitchers.
The Rays have also discussed having Richie Palacios work in the outfield, although he’s been their primary second baseman against right-handed pitchers and has been getting more work there with Ben Williamson out due to a low back strain. The recently acquired Oliver Dunn could also get some reps in the outfield, as an infielder by trade who has shown the ability to play anywhere.