We were surprised to see Mead on the bench when Junior Caminero sat Saturday, but the Rays used José Caballero at third base then. Mead, who has opened up 0-for-6 following his ridiculous spring, is playing first base over Jonathan Aranda against a righty tonight.

Tampa Bay will roll with veteran Yandy Díaz in the leadoff spot with Jonathan Aranda at first base and occupying the cleanup spot. Mead went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts during Friday’s season opener. He’ll continue to split playing time between several infield spots for Tampa Bay after a sizzling-hot spring performance propelled him onto the club’s season-opening roster.

With left-hander Kyle Freeland on the bump for Colorado, Mead will get the leadoff nod, and Yandy Diaz will hit second as the designated hitter. Mead was outstanding this spring, and it’s worth noting he’s a former top prospect who has looked the part in the minors. He’ll get a chance to set the table for the Rays, and that could be a major boon for his fantasy prospectus. Jonathan Aranda is not in the lineup, which will likely be the norm against southpaws.

If anyone has ever earned a spot on a roster based on spring training results, it’s Mead. He’s ‘slowed down’ lately, but is still hitting a ridiculous .576/.641/.697 over his first dozen games in the Grapefruit League. It’s worth noting Mead is only 24, and he’s not long removed from being one of the top infield prospects in the sport. A breakout season is definitely possible.