James

Jones

The former outfielder-turned-relief pitcher logged just 21 innings in the minor leagues during the 2022 season, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 36/15 K/BB ratio. He’ll add bullpen depth in the upper minors for the Dodgers.

Jones suffered the injury at his residence in Arizona when he tripped over one of his son’s toys. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the 31-year-old left-hander will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2020 season -- if there is a 2020 season. Jones signed a minor league contract with the Rangers with an invitation to spring training in January after posting a 2.67 ERA and 71 strikeouts over 64 innings last year between Double-A and Triple-A.

Jones, a former outfielder and briefly a two-way prospect, appeared in 45 games at the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2019 while posting a 2.67 ERA and 71 strikeouts over 64 innings against 30 walks. He’ll have a chance to win a spot in the Texas bullpen this spring.

Jones last appeared in the majors as an outfielder in 2015 but has focused mostly on pitching the last couple years, posting a 7.34 ERA over 23 appearances across multiple stops in 2018. He’s now 30 and is obviously just a dart throw for the Rangers.

Jones hit .278/.350/.421 with 28 stolen bases in the minors last year. The 25-year-old will get a shot to earn a bench spot with the club during spring training, and adding him to the 40-man roster also protects him in the impending Rule 5 Draft.

The 27-year-old is giving up on position play after batting just .232/.297/.330 in 305 plate appearances this season with Triple-A Round Rock. Jones throws left-handed and he pitched in college, so it seems like a worthwhile experiment. He was acquired from the Mariners last November as part of the Leonys Martin trade.

Jones has batted .264/.338/.362 with 15 steals at Tacoma this season. He’ll back up at all three outfield spots for the M’s.

Jones had zero hits in eight at-bats during his nine-day stay at the major league level. Franklin Gutierrez has been promoted in a corresponding roster move.

He’ll take a seat in the day game. James Jones will start in center field and bat sixth.

Jones is hitless in 12 at-bats during a couple stints with the big club this season. He returns to a .260/.339/.358 line at Tacoma.