Smith is 6-for-15 with a triple, a walk, two stolen bases and three runs over the four games he's played since returning from a two-week absence due to a hamstring injury.

EDGE Analysis

Just as important, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports that the outfielder is running at full speed and is set to start the season without any restrictions. Smith's strong play since returning has pushed his spring average to .342, raising expectations of what he'll offer across the box score as the projected leadoff hitter and everyday left fielder in 2018.

Smith (hamstring) will play left field and bat leadoff against Toronto on Thursday, Roger Mooney of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was able to compete in a minor-league game Tuesday after battling a hamstring issue for the past week. He didn't experience any problems during that outing and manager Kevin Cash is confident that Smith will be at 100 percent prior to Opening Day.

Smith (hamstring) played in a minor-league game Tuesday without issue, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith even managed to steal a base and leg out a bunt single, signaling his hamstring is doing fine for baseball purposes. It's unclear when he'll return to Grapefruit League action, but it could be pretty soon if this performance is any indication.

Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed that Smith (hamstring) is on track to play in a minor-league game Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE, Smith will work out with the big club Sunday before moving to minor-league camp for the next two days to test out his hamstring. Cash indicated that Smith remains in line to avoid the disabled list and be ready to go for Opening Day, but any minor setback might be enough to derail the outfielder's bid this late in camp. Smith will primarily compete with Denard Span for playing time in left field this season.

Smith (hamstring) is expected to play in a minor-league game Monday or Tuesday, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to manager Kevin Cash, Smith will also take part in running drills Saturday as a precursor to a return to game action. The 24-year-old has been pushing for a potential starting left field job and carries a .304 average over 24 spring plate appearances. He last suited up against the Red Sox on March 8, a game in which he went 1-for-3 with a two-run double.

Smith (hamstring) is set to take batting practice and shag balls in the outfield Thursday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, and is expected to be ready for Opening Day according to manager Kevin Cash. He won't be running gaps with the rest of the outfielders, but today is a big test to see how the hamstring holds up.

Smith could be the Rays' regular left fielder, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Kevin Kiermaier figures to be the Rays' everyday center fielder, the other two outfield spots will be filled by some combination of Smith and new acquisitions Denard Span and Carlos Gomez. Each member of that trio projects as a below-average regular, but the 24-year-old Smith has age on his side, as the other two are each at least 32 years old. He hit .270/.329/.355 in 81 games for the Rays last season, stealing 16 bases. He could be a solid cheap speed option if he sees an uptick in playing time.

Smith, who went 1-for-3 and was caught stealing on his only attempt in Thursday's 5-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Orioles, is hitting just .167 (2-for-12) with a walk and two stolen bases through his first five spring training games.

EDGE Analysis

The speedy outfielder currently projects for a reserve role, but it's certainly conceivable he could put a strong dent in the playing time of veteran offseason acquisitions Denard Span and Carlos Gomez as the coming season unfolds. Smith showed plenty of promise in 2017 while splitting his time between Triple-A Durham and the big-league club, finishing with a .270/.329/.355 line during the 81 games he spent with the latter. The fleet-of-foot 24-year-old also swiped 16 bases in 21 attempts with the Rays, and that dimension could be pivotal in helping him carve out opportunities for playing time in 2018.

Smith went 2-for-5 with two runs in Thursday's 9-6 win over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

The multi-hit effort was a welcome sight, considering Smith was just 3-for-24 since returning to the big-league club on Sept. 5. The 24-year-old generated some encouraging results at the plate this season after hitting just .238 with the Braves in 2016, boosting his average 28 points while also swiping 16 bags in 21 attempts.

Smith was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith slashed .279/.342/.365 with 16 stolen bases in 67 games with the Rays earlier in the season. He figures to see most of his playing time as a reserve outfielder down the stretch for the Rays, providing a speed threat off the bench.