Fuld made the team's Opening Day roster, his first in the majors, as its fourth outfielder, and a late-inning weapon off the bench, speedster pinch runner, and defensive replacement. Tommy Rancel of ESPN described him as: "Tampa Bay's version of Brett Gardner; albeit in a reduced role". However, with Manny Ramirez sudden retirement, left fielder Johnny Damon became the team's DH, expanding Fuld's role. On April 7, he stole a career-high 3 bases in one game, and Maddon began penciling him into the lineup as the team's everyday leadoff hitter.