Breakdown
Performance
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March 5, 2026
Expected to be out multiple days
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday that Mullins (back) is feeling better but is "probably not going to play for a little bit," Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Analysis
Mullins had to be scratched from Wednesday's Grapefruit League lineup with lower-back tightness. The veteran outfielder's Opening Day availability does not seem to be in danger at this point, but the Rays will be cautious. Mullins is slated to be Tampa Bay's primary center fielder against right-handed pitching this season.
March 4, 2026
Scratched with lower-back tightness
Mullins was scratched from Wednesday's lineup versus Team Netherlands due to lower-back tightness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Analysis
Consider Mullins -- who is 3-for-10 with one home run and a 2:1 BB:K this spring -- day-to-day for the time being. Jacob Melton entered the Rays' lineup in center field in Mullins' place.
February 28, 2026
Swats first spring long ball
Mullins went 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Toronto.
Analysis
It was the first homer of spring training for Mullins, who is trying to bounce back with the Rays in 2026 after he fell to a .690 OPS covering 498 regular-season plate appearances last season. With Josh Lowe having been dealt to the Angels over the winter, Mullins should open the season as Tampa Bay's primary center fielder.
