He’s got the talent, now Curtis Mead needs to find a spot on Rays’ roster
PORT CHARLOTTE — Signing Amed Rosario made the Rays’ roster deeper, while also making Curtis Mead’s world more complicated.
Five days ago, it appeared Mead, 23, had a strong chance to make the opening-day roster as a right-handed alternative to Brandon Lowe at second base, as well as a backup at third base and maybe even shortstop. Rosario’s arrival on a free-agent deal could change that equation.
“I guess getting another right-handed bat doesn’t necessarily favor me,” Mead said. “But if I take care of my business, we’ll be good to go.”
Rosario, 28, has more than 700 starts in the big leagues at shortstop. While his defensive metrics at the position were not great last season, he has an advantage over Mead, whose four-inning stint at shortstop in the season finale last year was his first appearance at the position since he was an 18-year-old in rookie ball in 2019.
Mead, who started at second base in the spring opener on Saturday and went hitless in two at-bats, is still considered one of Tampa Bay’s top prospects and manager Kevin Cash is encouraged by how he’s looked early in camp.
“I really credit Curtis for — whatever messages we gave him this offseason, really about defense — he looks awesome,” Cash said. “He looks the part. He’s moving his feet well, he’s worked on his hands. The arm, the accuracy. Very encouraged by him. Now, just go play.
“I think we’ll look up at the end of spring, and there’s going to be a good chance he’ll be right up there in (number of) at-bats with anybody.”
If Rosario is guaranteed a spot, that likely leaves one more opening for a hitter on the roster. With Manuel Margot and Luke Raley both traded in the offseason, the Rays could use a backup centerfielder, which will likely be Jonny DeLuca. That’s not good news for Mead, although there’s still a possibility DH Harold Ramirez could be traded.
“If I go about the little things the right way, hopefully I’ll get the results I want,” Mead said. “I just need to take care of my own business and be the best player I can. I like to think that the best of myself is good enough, and hopefully they agree.”
Hey! Remember me?
For a guy who had thrown only 33 innings above Double A, Kevin Kelly had a big impact on the Rays’ bullpen in 2023. A Rule 5 draft pick from Cleveland, he led Tampa Bay in innings pitched out of the bullpen (67) and was second among rookie relievers in MLB with five wins. Yet all that success does not necessarily guarantee him a spot on the big league roster now that he no longer has the Rule 5 safety net. With Garrett Cleavinger healthy and veterans Phil Maton and Tyler Alexander added to the mix, the 26-man roster is getting tight. “It’s definitely different, for sure,” Kelly said. “We’ll see in April what the differences are. Because last year, once I made the team, I was there. … It’s important not to get complacent.”
Franco deadline missed
The Rays said there was nothing new on the status of shortstop Wander Franco who, as expected, did not show up for camp by Saturday’s mandatory reporting date. Franco is under investigation in the Dominican Republic for an alleged relationship with a minor and must appear in court for one day at the end of every month.
Game notes
Using only non-roster pitchers in the opener, the Rays fell behind early and could not catch up in a 6-5 loss to the Braves. Jose Siri, Jake Mangum and Greg Jones homered for Tampa Bay. Jonathan Aranda had a double off Spencer Strider and later a hard-hit single. “For me, that was the highlight of the day,” Cash said. “We’ve been pretty adamant we need Jonny. I really want to see him have a good camp. No better way to start than that.” … Unsigned when spring training began, Rosario was hitting leadoff three days after reporting to camp. “He was pretty adamant,” Cash said. “Talked to Rodney (Linares) and said, ‘No, I want to play,’ so we figured we’d give him a day to DH rather than stick him on the field.” Rosario grounded out to shortstop in three consecutive plate appearances … Erasmo Ramirez is scheduled to start Sunday’s game in Port Charlotte against Detroit. Yandy Diaz, Josh Lowe, Harold Ramirez and Isaac Paredes will all make their spring debuts … Zach Eflin is expected to make his first appearance for Wednesday’s game in Dunedin against the Blue Jays.
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