Rays expect Jonny DeLuca to miss time with right hamstring injury

Victor Mesa Jr. was removed from the Durham Bulls’ game almost immediately after Jonny DeLuca’s right hamstring tightened in New York, a move that pointed to the clearest next step for Tampa Bay’s outfield if DeLuca goes on the injured list. Kevin Cash said DeLuca is likely headed to the IL after leaving Friday night’s 4-2 win over the Yankees, and the Rays are already bracing for at least 10 days without him.

DeLuca said the hamstring “grabbed” while he was legging out an infield single in the top of the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. The discomfort got worse when he had to go first to third on Cedric Mullins’ double, and he did not finish the game. Tampa Bay still closed out the win in New York, improving to 34-15 and extending one of the best runs in franchise history, with the Rays now 22-4 over their last 26 games and 16-3 across their previous 19.

That hot stretch makes the timing of another outfield loss especially awkward. DeLuca had been one of Tampa Bay’s options on the grass during a run that has kept the club atop the American League standings, but the Rays have now had to absorb another injury in the same part of the roster. The club’s answer appears to be Mesa, who was pulled from Durham as the need in St. Petersburg became clear.

The injury also carries a familiar note for DeLuca. He missed time last season with a left hamstring injury and did not play for the Rays after Aug. 6, 2025, after that issue sent him to the injured list. This time, DeLuca said he hoped the absence would be brief, but the early signs suggest Tampa Bay will lean on Triple-A depth again while it waits for its outfield mix to settle.