Souza Jr. went 4-for-4 with two home runs, a double and four RBI in Wednesday's 5-3 win against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

It was the first multi-home run game of the 26-year-old's career. Souza Jr. took J.A. Happ deep in the sixth before blasting his second home run of the game, a go-ahead, three-run drive in the eighth that lifted his the team victory. The outfielder's power is no surprise -- in 2015, he hit 16 home runs and had a .174 ISO in 4226 at-bats.

Souza slugged his first homer of the year Monday -- his lone hit in four at-bats against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

At the time, he was getting the Rays started right, giving them a 1-0 lead, but that didn't last. The outfielder has what could be a killer combo of power and speed, but he'll need to overcome his strikeout problem to hit for average. Two games into the new season, it looks like more of the same, as Souza's now struck out three times without drawing a walk.

Souza went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Sunday's 8-8 spring tie with the Orioles

EDGE Analysis

The power-hitting outfielder, mired in a spring slump coming in to Sunday, launched a one-out fifth-inning T.J. McFarland offering out of the yard for his first homer of the exhibition slate. Despite the power display, Souza went hitless in his other three at-bats, and is now tallying a .150 average over 20 plate appearances. The 26-year-old continues to have the inside track on the starting right-field role, but with backup Brandon Guyer having a red-hot spring, Souza's grasp on the spot could grow increasingly tenuous.

Souza (side) went 0-for-3 with a strikeout against the Pirates on Friday in his second spring game.

EDGE Analysis

It followed an 0-for-3, two-strikeout showing in his debut Wednesday. Souza suffered an intercostal strain during the initial days of camp, and the Rays may continue to sit him every other day for a little while longer, but Souza appears to be close to full health.

Souza (side) is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

This isn't exactly breaking news, though it's worth noting manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that barring some sort of setback, Souza will open the season as a starter in the Rays' outfield. Souza remains on track to see his first spring game action later this week.

Souza (side) swung the bat well in his first batting practice session since his injury and is expected to make his spring exhibition debut on March 10 or 11, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza tweaked his intercostal muscles a couple weeks ago and has been held out of activities since. He doesn't really need to rush back, as he remains the likely starting right fielder for Opening Day. The focus is simply on being ready when the season begins.

Souza (back) does not expect to make his spring debut until sometime next week, Rays insider Steve Carney reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza has resumed taking swings after injuring his side a week ago, but he will not see game action for a few more days as the Rays look to ensure his recovery does not go backwards. Barring any setbacks Souza has plenty of time to get up to speed before Opening Day rolls around.

Souza (intercostal) probably won't be ready for the team's first full-squad workout Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the news isn't exactly optimal, the fact that Souza avoided an oblique injury in favor of an intercostal strain certainly is. At this point, there's no reason to believe the outfielder won't be ready for the regular season, but it may be worth monitoring the situation to ensure he returns to full health as expected.

Souza tweaked his left side/lower back during batting practice Sunday, but doesn't believe the ailment is serious, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza did note that he doesn't believe the ailment is oblique-related, which is a good sign considering the typical nagging effects of those types of injuries. He expects to participate when Rays camp gets into full swing Friday, although the timing of the ailment could prompt a conservative approach.

Souza is not in the lineup Friday against the Blue Jays, Roger Mooney of The Tampa Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza had been seeing regular playing time in right field as of late, recording hits in each of his last five games. However, with lefty Mark Buehrle set to take the hill for the Blue Jays, Souza will take a seat in place of Mikie Mahtook, who will hit second in the order Friday.