Major League Baseball

Rays activate OF Jennings from DL

Published Aug. 19, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

The Tampa Bay Rays have activated outfielder Desmond Jennings from the 15-day disabled list and optioned pitcher Brandon Gomes to Triple-A Durham.

Jennings fractured his left middle finger while sliding in a game Aug. 3. He's batting .258 with 11 homers and 40 RBIs, along with a team-high 17 stolen bases.

"I had 15 days off, hopefully I come back with some energy and get things rolling," Jennings said.

Jenning was in the starting lineup Monday night against the Orioles. He batted leadoff and was in center field.

"It's really nice to have him back," manager Joe Maddon said. "To get him back in the leadoff spot, he was doing a great job with that, on the bases, his base running ability, all that stuff is great to have."

To make room for Jennings, the Rays optioned right-hander Brandon Gomes to Triple-A Durham. Gomes is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in 15 appearances, all of them in relief.

Gomes had been on the 60-day DL with a strained back muscle before being activated Saturday.

He prepared for his trip to the minors with the expectation of getting work and returning when rosters expand to 40 players on Sept. 1.

"Pitch and pitch well, and stay sharp," he said. "Hopefully I do well and will get the call to get back."

Maddon said Gomes will almost certainly return for the final month.

"I think he knows he's still sharpening the edge right now, and by the time he gets back he'll really be able to contribute," Maddon said.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball