Weeks will be counted on to serve as a "pretty big bat" against left-handed pitching according to manager Kevin Cash, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran slashed .284/.368/.642 with a .358 ISO and .419 wOBA in 76 plate appearances against southpaws last season, and boasts a .370 wOBA for his career against lefties. Therefore, Cash's optimism in that regard is well-founded, but it remains to be seen if Weeks can perform well enough as a non-roster invitee to secure a roster spot, and if so, any semblance of regular playing time. The 34-year-old saw action in 97 games as a left fielder in Arizona last season, and was deployed in right field for five other contests. Weeks also handled the DH role for 22 games, but he faces a relatively crowded field at all of those positions in Tampa to begin spring training. With his 2017 outlook far from certain, the exhibition slate should go a long way in sorting out Weeks' situation.