DFA’d 8 months ago, Mesa meets October moment with pivotal homer

Tampa Bay Rays rookie outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. hit a decisive two-run home run in the sixth inning to lead his team to a 4-3 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS. Mesa took Yankees left-hander Max Fried deep on a first-pitch sweeper to break a 2-2 tie at Yankee Stadium. The win secured Tampa Bay's advancement to the American League Championship Series.

The postseason triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for Mesa, who was designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins in February 2024 before being traded to the Rays. Rays manager Kevin Cash started Mesa in the cleanup spot due to his regular-season success against left-handed pitchers, which paid off as Tampa Bay clinched the series and moved on to host ALCS Game 1.