Smith will start in left field and bat eighth in the order in the Rays' Opening Day game against the Yankees on Sunday, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Colby Rasmus (groin) bound for the DL to open the season, Smith will presumably serve as the Rays' primary option in left field, at least against right-handed pitching. Known mostly for his 80-grade speed, Smith's main challenge at the big-league level will be proving he can get on-base frequently enough to make an impact on the basepaths. He slashed a middling .238/.316/.365 as a rookie with the Braves in 2016.

Smith has officially made the Rays' Opening Day roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was a rough spring for the second-year player, he slashed just .158/.233/.184 over 38 at-bats and also committed two errors in the outfield. Regardless, with Colby Rasmus battling a groin injury, it appears the Rays have little option but to posit Smith as the starting left fielder. An interesting threat to the 23-year-old's playing time could be veteran Peter Bourjos, who also made the roster final roster Saturday, so Smith will need to prove his worth early if he is to remain in future lineups.

Smith is expected to make the Rays' roster and start when the regular season kicks off April 2 against the Yankees, Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Colby Rasmus' groin injury has prevented him from playing in the field and may land him on the DL to start the regular season. That leaves Smith in position to start in left field until Rasmus is ready to return.

Smith (oblique) went 1-for-3 with a run in Friday's 5-2 Grapefruit League win over the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

The fleet outfielder managed to lay down a perfect bunt in the second inning, which eventually led to him scoring courtesy of a Corey Dickerson bloop to shallow left. However, Smith also had one misadventure in the field, dropping a Nick Castellanos fly ball in the first inning that resulted in the only runner allowed by starter Ryan Yarbrough. Despite the defensive mishap, manager Kevin Cash came away impressed after seeing his promising prospect in game action for the first time. "You can tell he's got pretty elite speed," Cash said. "He has a pretty defined approach to batting practice. I'm a little interested to see how that works in the game. He really focuses on and looks staying the other way, hitting the ball on the ground and utilizing his speed."

Smith (oblique) is in the lineup Friday for his first spring training game with the Rays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Now apparently feeling good to go, Smith gets a chance to make a case to break camp with this crowded outfield. The speedster could have a role at least as a part-timer, but it may be smarter for Tampa Bay to let him accrue a full-time gig at Triple-A Durham. Of course, injuries and role changes could open up time for him with the big club during the season, which makes him a fine speculation for stolen bases in deep mixed leagues -- as long as his owners feel comfortable waiting.

Smith (oblique) is being pushed a bit to test his injury by Rays manager Kevin Cash, who wants to see him on the field soon, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The twice-traded fly-catcher is part of a crowded position battle, but his defense and speed could bolster his case to break camp with Tampa Bay. Despite the lack of a clear path to reps, the 23-year-old can attract fantasy owners as a steals speculation late in mixed drafts. Of course, the reward of that pick could depend heavily on his own injury issue, plus the status of the other erratically healthy and competent outfielders in tow.

Smith (oblique) could be held out of early spring training games according to manager Kevin Cash, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The speedster, who arrived in Tampa in the trade that sent Drew Smyly to Seattle, could start the season at the major league level depending on the Rays' outfield situation and Smith's own spring training performance. However, the 23-year-old may have to wait a few games into spring training before making his case, as Smith continues to deal with a strained oblique he suffered in the Puerto Rican league in late December.

Smith (oblique) reported to spring training Monday to have a physical, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The club has yet to say whether or not Smith passed his physical, but more information regarding the status of his oblique should be available in the near future. Upon his return, it will likely become more clear if the Rays plan to keep Smith on the big league roster or send him to Triple-A Durham for the start of the upcoming season.

Smith (oblique) was traded to the Rays on Wednesday as the headliner in a deal that sent Drew Smyly to the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

This was the second time Smith was traded within a 90-minute span Wednesday, as he was originally dealt from Atlanta to Seattle in exchange for prospects. Smith is more highly thought of in fantasy circles than in real life, due to his elite speed that could lead to a 40-plus steal season if he received regular at-bats over a full season. The Rays now have a pretty crowded outfield situation, and it is unclear if Smith will start the year in the majors or see everyday at-bats at Triple-A. He could possibly occupy the strong side of a platoon with Steven Souza, but the Rays might not be ready to pull the plug on giving Souza everyday at-bats. Smith's stock still sees an uptick, as there was nowhere for him to play in Atlanta at the start of the day. It will be an interesting situation to follow in spring training, but Smith is essentially big league ready, and is therefore worth a mid-to-late round gamble because of his speed. His recovery from a recent oblique strain will also be something to track as spring training approaches.

Smith (oblique) was traded Wednesday to the Mariners along with reliever Shae Simmons in exchange for prospects Luiz Gohara and Thomas Burrows, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.

EDGE Analysis

After displaying prolific speed at every stop throughout his minor-league career, Smith was promoted to the Braves last April and made a big impact on the basepaths during his rookie season, accruing 16 steals in just 215 plate appearances. However, Smith's overall impact was limited by a sickly .238/.316/.365 battling line, and the Braves' decision to trade him away is an indication they didn't feel he profiled as an everyday option in the outfield. Smith's activity during the offseason has been limited by a pair of oblique strains, but assuming he's back to full health by the start of spring training, he'll compete for a 25-man roster spot with the Mariners. It's not out of the question for Smith to push for an Opening Day starting or platoon role either, as Leonys Martin is seemingly the only established regular among the outfielders currently on the 40-man roster.