Jonathan Aranda

It's all working for Mead right now. His last at-bat today saw him take three straight out of the strike zone and then swing at ball four, only to line the pitch into center field anyway. Mead should be in line to make the Rays as a part-timer. A starting gig would require an injury or a course reversal in regard to Jonathan Aranda's playing time.

He had more hits today than his teammates totaled in 32 at-bats (three). All four hits were singles, and three were hard-hit balls, topping out at 110.9 mph. For the spring, Mead is 14-for-18 with a homer. He wasn't supposed to be much of a threat to make the Rays, but he needs to be taken seriously now, even if it's hard to see how he fits in the lineup. His inclusion would probably come at Eloy Jimenez's expense, making him the righty DH alternative to Jonathan Aranda. He could also see time at second base against lefties.