Richie Palacios
Breakdown
Performance
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April 6, 2026
Idle against righty
Palacios is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.
Analysis
Even with Gavin Lux (shoulder) on the shelf to begin the season, the left-handed-hitting Palacios hasn't been able to take control of a strong-side platoon role at second base. The Rays have instead opted for more of a timeshare at the keystone between Palacios and Ben Williamson, who gets the nod for Monday's home opener. Palacios has now been left out of the starting nine in three of the Rays' last six matchups with right-handed pitchers.
April 6, 2026
Sparks offense in win
Palacios went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk, two RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's 4-1 extra-inning win over the Twins.
Analysis
Palacios came through in the 10th inning, hitting what proved to be the game-winning home run off Justin Topa. After opening the season 0-for-8, he went 3-for-5 over two games this weekend while swiping a bag in each contest. The 22-year-old is slashing .231/.444/.462 across 18 plate appearances so far as a part-time player who will see most of his at-bats against right-handed pitching.