Souza was traded to the Rays on Thursday as part of a three-team deal, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. Perhaps best known for the spectacular catch that saved Jordan Zimmerman's no-hitter in 2014, Souza has yet to see an extended opportunity to contribute at the plate in the Major Leagues. He logged his first 26 career plate appearances with the Nationals last season, which included two solo home runs, and slashed .350/.432/.590 at the Triple-A level. The Rays have a significantly less crowded outfield than the Nationals, so Souza will likely see a better opportunity to carve out a steady role in Tampa Bay.

Souza will have an opportunity to earn an Opening Day roster spot during spring training, MASN Sports reports. Considering that he will turn 26 in April, and that he hit .350/.432/.590 with 18 homers and 26 steals over just 346 at-bats (96 games) at Triple-A Syracuse in 2014, Souza has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues. He'll be pressed to earn playing time if the Nats' starting outfielders stay healthy, but Souza could also find a clearer path to playing time if he ends up getting traded this offseason. If he remains in Washington, Souza could still be valuable in deeper formats as a toolsy fourth outfielder for the Nats.

Souza has been named the Nationals' Minor League Player of the Year. He continues to add to his hardware, having earlier been named the International League MVP. In 96 games at Triple-A, Souza hit a massive .350/.432/.590 with 18 home runs, 75 RBI and 26 steals. He'll be 26 next season and should be heading into his prime as a hitter, and while the Nats' outfield is crowded right now Souza could prove to be valuable trade bait.

Souza got the start in left field Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a solo shot, his first career major league home run. With the Nationals having clinched the NL East title on Tuesday, manager Matt Williams emptied his bench and gave all his starters the night off. Washington is currently one game up on the Dodgers in the win column for the NL's best record, however, so expect Souza to return to pinch-hitting duties as long as the Nats have something to fight for.

Souza (shoulder) was activated from the 15-day DL on Monday. A left shoulder contusion cost Souza 20 games, but he'll return Monday to occupy a spot on the Nats' expanded September roster. The 25-year-old led the International League in all three triple-slash categories (.350/.432/.590), smacked 18 homers and swiped 26 bags in 96 games with Syracuse en route to leave MVP honors. He'll soon get a chance to improve upon his 1-for-12 mark with the big club, though he'll likely be deployed primarily off the bench, barring injury to one of the team's starting outfielders.

Souza (shoulder) will begin a rehab stint on Thursday, Daniel Popper of MLB.com reports. Souza will be eligible to come off the DL on Monday, but it seems just as likely that the Nationals will wait until September roster expansion to activate him.

An MRI on Souza's shoulder revealed no structural damage. A left shoulder injury, suffered in a collision with the right field wall Saturday, forced Souza to the DL but it does not sound like it's something that could cost the 25-year-old the rest of the season. The MRI revealed inflammation in the AC joint in Souza's shoulder, but the team is likely hoping it can get him back in a reserve role by early September.

Souza was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports. Though Souza indicated he didn't expect to miss much time as a result of the shoulder injury suffered Saturday, the Nationals couldn't afford to wait for him to get healthy with Jayson Werth also banged up. Michael Taylor was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take Souza's spot on the 25-man roster.

Souza said Saturday that his shoulder is still a little stiff but he thinks he'll be fine by Sunday, Dan Kolko of MASNsports.com reports. The 25-year-old was fortunate to avoid a head injury after a collision with the right field wall Friday, and it sounds like his shoulder affliction is relatively minor. Souza's compiled a very impressive .354/.435/.601 batting line with 18 homers and 24 steals in 91 games with Triple-A Syracuse this season, but his opportunities may remain limited barring injury to one of the Nats' starting outfielders.

Souza (shoulder) is out of the lineup Saturday against the Braves, James Wagner of the Washington Post reports. A nasty collision with the right field wall resulted in Souza's early exit from Friday's game, but the team reportedly does not have any concern about a possible head injury. While he is being evaluated for a shoulder injury, Souza remains on the active roster and should be considered day-to-day for the time being. Jayson Werth (shoulder, ankle) will return to right field Saturday.