TORONTO -- Steven Souza Jr. wasn't in the lineup Sunday, but Souza and the Rays believe they were lucky where the right fielder's left hand is concerned.
"I feel good," Souza told reporters prior to Sunday's Rays-Blue Jays game. "Obviously a little tight, but fortunate it wasn't broken."
Facing Joe Biagini with one out in the seventh inning of Saturday's game, Souza took a 94.7 mph four-seam fastball off his left hand on the first pitch. He left the game and had X-rays, which were negative.
Whether or not Souza would be available for Sunday's game was uncertain according to Souza and Rays manager Kevin Cash, who said Souza had to try swinging a bat first. Cash went on to say he wasn't sure if Souza would do so on Sunday.
Souza said he kept ice on his hand Saturday night to limit the swelling. He was asked why he wasn't in the lineup, if all was well.
"Just a little sore," he said. "Trying to calm it down a little bit and hopefully re-evaluate tomorrow to see where it's at. ... Saw the X-rays. X-rays came back pretty positive. Positive news. And so, we're just trying to let it calm down."
Souza said he did not have any concerns about his hand being OK at this point.
"In '15 I broke my hand and I was pretty certain it was broken," Souza said. 'And I'm pretty certain I'm going to be OK."
Boston's Joe Kelly hit Souza on his left hand on Aug. 1, 2015. Souza came away from that one with a fractured hand that cost him 34 games. Ironically, Souza said he typically wears a pad on his left hand when he hits because of that injury.
"But this road trip I forgot my pad," Souza said. "I'm very fortunate I got hit in the right spot."
Souza allowed that he does not make decisions regarding whether he would go on the disabled list, but he added, "I'm pretty sure I'll be alright."
Souza is hitting .330 with four home runs and 17 RBIs on the season.