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Souza earmarked for RF, though not a lock
- Updated: November 22, 2016
ST. PETERSBURG — Steven Souza Jr. has been an enigma throughout his two-year tenure with the Rays.
The Everett, Wash., native came over in a three-way trade among the Padres, Nationals and Rays in December 2014. Since his arrival, he’s appeared at times to be the answer to the Rays’ quest for power. At other times, he has not.
Though Souza is not a lock to be the Rays’ right fielder in 2017, he appears to be the most likely candidiate.
Souza, who had season-ending hip surgery in September, recently said he’s on schedule to be fully recovered by the start of Spring Training. He sounded excited about the way he ended the season and is hoping to carry that over.
He hit .247 with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs while playing in 120 games. Of note, he hit .327 with four home runs and six RBIs in 15 September games before surgery ended his season.
“The way I finished the season was definitely a positive,” Souza said. “I showed I could play at a consistent level.”
On the flip side, the rearview mirror also showed room for improvement, and, in particular, his strikeout total. He whiffed 159 times in 430 at-bats.
“I’ve got to find a way to not strike out and put the ball in play a little more often, and get …
