Isaac Paredes Has Earned A Spot In The Lineup

Before the start of the 2022 season, the Rays traded outfielder Austin Meadows to the Tigers for infielder Isaac Paredes. This was considered a strange trade for the Rays who were already suffering losses on offense. Paredes, who had two home runs, eleven RBI, and a .215 batting average in Detroit, did not seem poised to fix these offensive woes.

However, after injuries to both Brandon Lowe and Wander Franco, Tampa Bay was suddenly in dire need of help up the middle. In came Paredes, who started slow but quickly became a bright spot in a barren Tampa Bay lineup.

In his last two games, Paredes has four total home runs. Two of these bombs came off potential Cy Young award winner, Nestor Cortes. The next night he took Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery deep to complete the coming-out party.

As mentioned, before joining the Rays, Paredes had just two homers in his career. Through just 32 games in Tampa Bay, he has nine. This power surge has been crucial to the Rays' offense as he currently leads the team in home runs.

Eventually, both Lowe and Franco will return to the lineup. Of course, Paredes will not be taking either of their spots but it will be up to Kevin Cash to find a spot for him. With experience at both third base, first base, and designated hitter, it should not be hard to do. One thing is for sure however, his bat cannot leave the lineup anytime soon.