Rays Lose Player to Injury Before Yankees Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Segun Ajayi | Last updated May 24, 2026 5:41 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays picked up another big win on Friday night, but the victory may have come with a costly setback.

Outfielder Jonny DeLuca exited the Rays’ 4-2 win over the New York Yankees after suffering a right hamstring injury during the seventh inning. While Tampa Bay extended its winning streak to five games, DeLuca’s injury quickly became the biggest talking point after the game.

Rays sideline reporter Ryan Bass posted on X that DeLuca suffered a right hamstring strain and is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list.

Manager Kevin Cash also acknowledged after the game that DeLuca is likely headed to the injured list, although the outfielder remains hopeful the injury will not sideline him for long.

#Rays place OF Jonny DeLuca (right hamstring strain) on the 10-day IL.

As expected, OF Victor Mesa Jr. was called up from Durham. Mesa will wear No. 25.
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) May 24, 2026

DeLuca suffered the injury while sprinting down the first-base line trying to beat out an infield single. As Yankees shortstop José Caballero dove for the ball, DeLuca accelerated in an attempt to reach first safely.

Despite the discomfort, DeLuca initially hoped the injury would loosen up enough for him to remain in the game. However, after advancing from first to third on Cedric Mullins’ double, it became clear he could not continue.

Cash quickly came out of the dugout to check on DeLuca at third base, and after a brief conversation, the outfielder exited the game.

Apr 1, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Jonny DeLuca (21) slides into third base after hitting a triple against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Ryan Vilade replaced DeLuca following the injury. He will likely get an extended look in the outfield now that DeLuca is set to miss the next week of action. Although Tampa Bay stranded runners in that inning, the Rays responded with four runs in the eighth to secure another comeback victory at Yankee Stadium.

The injury creates another challenge for a Rays team already dealing with several outfield absences. Jake Fraley remains sidelined following hernia surgery and is not expected back for at least another month.

Highly regarded prospect Jacob Melton is also unavailable while recovering from a sprained ankle at Triple-A Durham.However, outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. has been called up from Durham and will wear No. 25. Mesa is already on Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster and recently returned to Triple-A after spending nearly a month on the minor league injured list.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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