TAMPA -- With their outfield depth depleted by injuries, the Rays benefited from Travis Jankowski’s contributions on the field. He played in 14 games and finished one of them with his first career walk-off hit.
But they enjoyed his veteran presence even more, appreciating his advice and mentorship in the clubhouse during his time on the active roster and injured list. With their outfield getting healthier and no spot for him on the big league roster, Jankowski cleared outright waivers on Wednesday and elected free agency.
Jankowski had been on the 10-day injured list since May 15 due to a left groin strain. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on May 28 and played four games there before being waived.
“We've seen him [in] different uniforms for many, many years. Solid player, really good player, and probably a better person,” manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday afternoon. “The teammate that he showed [to be], the impact that he had just in a week or two … I know the guys really appreciate his perspective, and we can all learn a little bit from him.
“We'll see how this plays out. I know that he's a free agent, but if we have the opportunity, we'd love to get him back and see what happens.”
The Rays’ outfield picture has come into clearer focus recently, with Josh Lowe returning and Jake Mangum back from the injured list.
Kameron Misner is getting most of the starts in center field against right-handed pitchers, with Mangum backing up there against lefties. Mangum has been the regular left fielder against righties, while Christopher Morel has stepped in against southpaws. And Lowe has held down right in impressive fashion, with José Caballero occasionally bouncing out there against a lefty.
Meanwhile, Opening Day center fielder Jonny DeLuca (right shoulder strain) will be shut down for another three weeks. Outfielder/infielder Richie Palacios (right knee sprain) is “doing well” and making progress in his recovery, Cash said Tuesday, including running the bases and working on his defense.
While the Rays lost Jankowski to free agency, they were able to keep catcher Ben Rortvedt in the organization after he was designated for assignment on May 28 to make room for the addition of Matt Thaiss. On Sunday, Rortvedt cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Durham.