Melton (thumb) is starting in center field and batting second in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old was scratched from the lineup Thursday due to soreness in his left thumb, but he's good to go a few days later. Barring an aggravation of the injury, Melton should be in the clear as he competes for a spot on Tampa Bay's Opening Day roster.

Melton was scratched from Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus the Red Sox due to a slightly sore left thumb, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

At the moment, it doesn't seem like an injury that will force Melton to miss more than a day or two. The 25-year-old outfielder has gone 2-for-9 with one home run and a 1:5 BB:K in his first four games this spring as he attempts to win a spot on the Rays' Opening Day roster. Homer Bush will start Thursday in Melton's place.

Melton went 1-for-3 with a solo home run during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

After joining the Rays this past offseason as part of the Brandon Lowe trade, Melton made a strong impression in his second game of the spring. While it looks like the 25-year-old outfielder is set to begin the year in a part-time role, a strong spring could increase Melton's chances of earning more frequent at-bats. It's worth mentioning Chandler Simpson is nursing a tight left hamstring, which further opens the door for Melton in the outfield for the time being.

The Rays acquired Melton and Anderson Brito from the Astros on Friday in a three-team trade that sent Mike Burrows to the Astros and Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery to the Pirates, Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report.

EDGE Analysis

Melton was one of Houston's top prospects, and the 25-year-old got his first taste of MLB action last season, appearing in 32 games for the Astros. The outfielder slashed .157/.234/.186 with one triple, seven RBI, seven runs scored, seven stolen bases and a 6:29 BB:K across 78 big-league plate appearances. He figures to initially slot into Tampa Bay's outfield mix behind Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, Josh Lowe and potentially even Jake Fraley.

The Astros recalled Melton from Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday. He'll start in center field and bat ninth in the season finale versus the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

With one game remaining in the season and the Astros having been officially eliminated from playoff contention, Melton will join Houston after shortstop Jeremy Pena (oblique) was placed on the injured list. Over 73 plate appearances with the big club this season, Melton has slashed .149/.219/.179 with a 38.4 percent strikeout rate.

The Astros optioned Melton to Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Jake Meyers (calf) back from the 10-day IL, Melton will return to Sugar Land after slashing .149/.219/.179 with one triple, seven RBI, seven runs scored, six stolen bases and a 5:28 BB:K across his first 74 big-league plate appearances this season.

Melton is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed Melton will hit the bench for the fourth time in five games while the Astros face off against southpaw Yusei Kikuchi in the series finale. Though three of Melton's absences during that stretch have come against left-handed pitching, his playing time versus righties could soon dwindle. Not only is Jake Meyers (calf) poised to return from the injured list perhaps as soon as this weekend, but Mauricio Dubon has also gotten more looks in center field of late while Melton has slashed just .149/.219/.179 in 73 plate appearances to begin his big-league career.

Melton is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Melton and Jesus Sanchez will head to the bench while the Orioles send lefty Trevor Rogers to the bump. Chas McCormick will replace Melton in center field and bat ninth.

Melton is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Before sitting against ace left-hander Tarik Skubal in the Astros' 1-0 loss Tuesday, the left-handed-hitting Melton had been included in the lineup in each of the Tigers' previous three matchups with righties. However, he went just 1-for-10 with a 0:7 BB:K in those contests, and he'll remain on the bench Wednesday as Detroit sends a righty (Charlie Morton) to the bump for the series finale. Taylor Trammell will get the starting nod in center field at Melton's expense.

Melton will start in center field and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Orioles, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Melton will stick in the starting nine for the fourth time in five games. Though he may have the opportunity to handle a strong-side platoon role in center field until Jake Meyers (calf) returns from the injured list, Melton is slashing just .200/.250/.244 with a 39.6 percent strikeout rate over his first 48 big-league plate appearances.