Rays Scratch Veteran Outfielder From Lineup Against Netherlands
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The Tampa Bay Rays are set to continue their spring training exhibition season against the Netherlands on March 4.
However, they have announced a change to the original lineup that they were planning to go with. Cedric Mullins is no longer starting in center field for the Rays.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the veteran outfielder has been scratched from the lineup because of tightness in his lower back. As a result, Jacob Melton will be taking his spot in the lineup, batting second and playing center field.
This is likely a move being made out of an abundance of caution. There is no reason to push a player if they aren’t feeling 100% healthy with about three weeks to go until Opening Day against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cedric Mullins scratched against Netherlands
Tampa Bay has big plans for Mullins after signing him to a one-year deal in free agency worth $7.5 million. He is likely taking over as the starting center fielder, with the team hoping he can get back on track after a tumultuous end to 2025 with the New York Mets.
A solid power and speed threat offensively, the veteran should raise the floor of the team’s lineup. He has hit at least 15 home runs and stolen at least 19 bases in five consecutive campaigns.
#Rays scratched CF Cedric Mullins from today's lineup due to low back tightness. Jacob Melton is in his place.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 4, 2026
Even with his struggles last year, collectively having an OPS+ of 94 between the Baltimore Orioles and Mets, that would have been a massive upgrade in the grass for the Rays.
He has looked good thus far this spring with a .300/.385/.600 slash line across his first 13 plate appearances with one home run, two walks and only one strikeout.
Kenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, the official website of the New York Knicks, and a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. Previously, he is a reporter for both NBA Analysis Network and NFL Analysis Network, as well as a writer and editor for Packers Coverage. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at teapester725@gmail.com.