Atlanta Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays - News - March 08, 2026

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Ben Gamel - Showing surprising power Gamel went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

Impact The veteran outfielder has only reached double-digit homers once in his career, when he hit 11 back in 2017 with the Mariners, but Gamel's already launched four in six spring games, with his other hit being a double. He's in camp with Atlanta as a non-roster invitee and is a long shot to win a spot on the 26-man roster, but the season-long suspension for Jurickson Profar does create an opening. The fact that Gamel hits left-handed eliminates him as a potential platoon partner in left field for Mike Yastrzemski, however, and he might need another injury or absence ahead of him for his sudden spring power display to move the needle on his chances.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Cedric Mullins - On track to play Tuesday Rays manager Kevin Cash said he expects Mullins (back) to return to the Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact Mullins hasn't played since last Tuesday while managing a sore back, but the Rays never viewed the injury as a long-term concern. Assuming he's able to check back into the lineup Tuesday, Mullins should have plenty of time to pick up at-bats during spring training in advance of Opening Day. The 31-year-old appears likely to open the season in the strong side of a platoon in center field.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Chandler Simpson - Expected to play Tuesday Rays manager Kevin Cash said that he expects Simpson (hamstring) to return to the Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact Simpson hasn't played since last Tuesday after experiencing renewed soreness in his left hamstring, which had previously been bothering earlier in camp. After a week-long layoff, Simpson is feeling better and ready to return to game action. Despite being limited to just four spring appearances thus far, Simpson should still have plenty of time to stockpile plate appearances in preparation for the start of the regular season.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Joey Wentz - Awaiting MRI results Atlanta hopes to know the results of an MRI on Wentz's right knee Monday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Impact Wentz sustained an injury to his knee during Grapefruit League play Sunday versus the Rays following a collision near first base. The initial prognosis pointed to him avoiding a serious injury, but more will be known once the imaging results are in. Wentz is competing for a spot in Atlanta's rotation.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Jake Fraley - Strong start in Grapefruit League Fraley went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

Impact Fraley is off to a nice start this spring, having gone 4-for-13 (.308) with four RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base covering seven Grapefruit League outings. The 30-year-old is lined up for a strong-side platoon role in right field to start his first season with the Rays, but he'll likely lose at-bats to Jonny DeLuca versus left-handed pitching. Last regular season, Fraley hit .241 with just six home runs, 23 RBI and four stolen bases across 191 at-bats for Cincinnati and Atlanta.

MARCH 8 • ROTOWIRE

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Atlanta Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays - News: Mar 8, 2026

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