The Rays introduced Thursday morning that they’ve designated catcher Alex Jackson for project and chosen the contract of left-hander Mason Montgomery from Triple-A Durham. Tampa Bay additionally optioned lefty Tyler Alexander to Durham and recalled infielder Austin Shenton.
Tampa Bay has caught with the 28-year-old Jackson all season, giving him 158 turns on the plate because the crew’s backup catcher regardless of a .122/.201/.237 batting line and sky-high 34.2% strikeout charge. Jackson has performed robust protection, however that lack of productiveness within the batter’s field has now reached its tipping level, as Tampa Bay appears poised to show his function over to not too long ago promoted Logan Driscoll, who’s loved a powerful 12 months in Durham and can now pair with defensive standout Ben Rortvedt to comprise the Rays’ catching corps.
Jackson was taken by the Mariners with the No. 6 general choose within the 2014 draft and for years ranked as a prime prospect thanks to large uncooked energy and one of the crucial spectacular highschool performances in current reminiscence. He was in play as a doable No. 1 general choose throughout his draft season and seen as a possible middle-of-the-order hitter. The M’s have been bullish sufficient on his bat and athleticism to maneuver him to proper discipline instantly in professional ball, in hopes of fast-tracking his path to the large leagues.
As a substitute, Jackson’s hit instrument by no means got here round to match his energy. He’s bounced across the league in a sequence of small-scale trades and minor league contracts however by no means cemented himself as a constant massive leaguer. In elements of 5 MLB seasons, Jackson has taken 340 plate appearances and batted .132/.224/.232 with a staggering 41.8% strikeout charge.
As he’s moved again behind the plate and continued to hone his defensive expertise within the minors, Jackson has change into a high quality defender at catcher. Nevertheless, his persistent strikeout troubles prolong even to the Triple-A degree (29.3%). He’ll now head to waivers and be made out there to the opposite 29 golf equipment. If he clears, he’ll have the chance to elect free company, as is the case with all gamers who’ve been beforehand outrighted of their profession.
Extra to come back.
