Travis

Jankowski

Jankowski opted for free agency after the Rays cut him earlier this month. He was previously a Met in 2022, when he hit (and slugged) .167 in 63 plate appearances over 43 games. He could see time as a reserve outfielder later this season.

Interesting. Jankowski was on the injured list with a left groin strain, but rather than add him back to the active roster, the Rays placed him on waivers and he went unclaimed. The 33-year-old should see a market for a team needing outfield depth, but he may need to sign a minor-league deal before joining the majors.

Jankowski tweaked his groin during Wednesday’s game against the Blue Jays in Toronto, and the Rays won’t play short-handed. Somewhat conveniently, the Rays have activated Josh Lowe (oblique) off the injured list to take Jankowski’s place on the roster.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters Travis Jankowski tweaked his groin during Wednesday’s contest in Toronto, so it’s looking like Lowe is going to return sooner than later. It might not make sense to bring him to Canada for just one game, but he should be ready to roll for Friday’s series opener against the Marlins.

Lowe went 0-for-4 in Triple-A on Tuesday and is hitting just 2-for-13 in four games at the level. However, all of that is secondary to his health. If he continues to feel good after another game, the Rays could decide to bring him up with the team in Miami, which would likely push Travis Jankowski out of the starting lineup against righties.

Jankowski got the start in right field over Jose Caballero with a right-handed pitcher on the mound and drove in two of Tampa’s three runs on the day. After knocking a base hit in the second inning, he brought Kameron Misner home on a sacrifice fly in the fourth. Jankowski later walked it off with a base hit in the bottom of the ninth to score Misner from second base. The veteran 33-year-out outfielder is hitting .286/.316/.314 with six runs scored and two steals over 38 plate appearances.

Jankowski was acquired on Friday in a trade with the White Sox. He provides the Rays with an experienced veteran presence to pair with Christopher Morel as a stopgap solution in left field with rookie Jake Mangum hitting the injured list with a groin strain. The 33-year-old journeyman outfielder is unlikely to play enough to offer any semblance of fantasy relevance.

The 33-year-old outfielder had been with the White Sox on a minor league pact, but with all of the injuries that the Rays have dealt with in their outfield they felt adding another depth option was a good idea. It’ll be interesting to see if they plan on keeping him at Triple-A Durham or if he’ll join the big league club in short order.

Jankowski returns to the fold on a brand-new minor league pact after being removed from Chicago’s 40-man roster last weekend and passing through waivers unclaimed. The 33-year-old center fielder figures to be up-and-down as emergency outfield depth for the White Sox.

Jankowski has elected free agency to search for a new opportunity after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 33-year-old outfielder was jettisoned from Chicago’s 40-man roster last weekend when Mike Tauchman returned from the injured list.