Victor Mesa Jr. (hamstring) returns to lineup

Mesa’s setback last night will shelve him for at least 10 days. Ryan Vilade and Jonny DeLuca will get extra starts against righties while Mesa is out.

Mesa has been battling a lingering hamstring issue, which caused him to miss three games earlier this week. It sounds like he could wind up requiring a trip to the injured list since he lasted just four innings before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in his return to Tampa Bay’s lineup.

Mesa was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the fourth inning of his first game back following a three-game absence due to hamstring tightness. He was hit by a pitch during his lone plate appearance prior to exiting.

Mesa probably wouldn’t have started against the lefty on Sunday if healthy, but he’d be in there tonight against right-hander Brandon Young if not for his hamstring issue. Ryan Vilade is starting in his place.

The 24-year-old outfielder did appear as a pinch-hitter on Saturday, but he still isn’t quite ready to man his position defensively just yet. Expect him to be available off the bench once again on Sunday.

Mesa didn’t start the game because of hamstring tightness. Even if he’s feeling better, he’ll likely be out of the lineup again Sunday with the Orioles throwing a lefty in Trevor Rogers.

Mesa indicated that he’s probably not ready to play the outfield. Jonny DeLuca is getting a start against a righty with Mesa sitting Saturday.

Rays’ skipper Kevin Cash said after the game that while he’s considered day-to-day, it is a situation that the team will continue to monitor. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him sit out the remainder of the weekend as a precautionary measure.

Mesa Jr. came ready to play in his first game hitting lead-off this season. He tripled on the fourth pitch of the game and Jonathan Aranda drove him home with a single shortly thereafter. Mesa Jr. then tripled again in his second at-bat, enjoying the cavernous outfield at Coors Field and showing off his speed in the process. He dropped down a beautiful safety squeeze later on as well to give the Rays one more insurance run. A big winner from the Rays’ lack of aggression at the trade deadline, Mesa Jr. is in position to maintain his strong-side platoon role in Tampa Bay’s outfield should he stay productive. Don’t expect him to stay in that top spot though, as this was simply an off day for Yandy Díaz. Regardless, it was still nice to see the club’s confidence in him as a hitter.

Seems like a routine day off for Díaz. Liam Hicks will play first base and Jonathan Aranda will DH. Victor Mesa Jr. will shift into the leadoff spot.