Predicting the next Rays demotion when Richie Palacios returns from injury

Unfortunately, the MLB roster is limited to only 26 players, half of which are pitchers. Therefore, the Rays have no choice, but to send a position player down to Triple-A Durham when their ultra utility man Richie Palacios returns from his minor finger injury. Now, the only question is who do you option to the minor leagues?

Well, the versality of Palacios' play will certainly make this decision easier because the New York native can help the club in the infield and outfield on any particular day. Meanwhile, the performances of some of the recent roster additions have in turn made this decision more difficult. Outfielders Jake Mangum and Kameron Misner were added to the roster a little late due to the injuries of Palacios and Josh Lowe, but they've certainly made up for any lost time.

Mangum is currently leading the team in batting average as he's started the year on an 8-for-16 run (.500 AVG). Due to his fiery style of play at the plate and his obvious success, we would be shocked to see the front office choose him to be sent down in place of Richie Palacios.

Also, former Marlins prospect Kameron Misner is playing well enough to hopefully remain on the roster as he's produced a .368 AVG, along with his remarkable Opening Day walk-off home run. His defense has also been a bright spot as his length and strong arm play well in every outfield spot.

On the flip side, Rays spring training standout Curtis Mead has been abysmal at the plate so far this season. He has gone 0-for-12 with four strikeouts to this point.

We understand that it's early and he can easily return to the red-hot form we saw in March, but the Australian infielder should definitely be the one considered for demotion. Palacios is expected to return this month, so a drastic change of fortune or an unfortunate injury to another key player will likely be the only factors keeping Mead on the roster much longer.

Richie Palacios played his first full season in a Rays uniform last year and put up solid numbers in 92 games. His low .200s average didn't stand out, but he accrued a .346 OBP and played exceptional defense at multiple positions. It will be exciting to see how the energy-filled athlete performs in 2025.