Rays Notes: Jennings In, Thompson Out, and Hideki Returns

Desmond Jennings was activated from the disabled list this afternoon and will retake his spot at the top of the lineup tonight against the Yankees. He has been out since May 14 after spraining his left knee. He played one rehab game in Charlotte and three in Durham, picking up 3 hits in 15 at bats. Prior to hitting the DL Jennings was hitting .265 with 3 home runs, 27 runs, 19 RBI and 5 stolen bases. The Rays are third to last in the league in runs scored over the past 14 days, so Jennings’ return is timely.

The feel-good story of Rich Thompson has come to an end, as the outfielder was optioned to AAA Durham. He had been called up as outfield injuries had piled up, but now that Desmond is healthy his services are no longer needed. He had appeared in 8 games, only collecting one hit (the first of his career). If the outfield faces another injury, Thompson could be called on again.

The Rays take on the Yankees for a three game series in the Bronx starting tonight, which means Hideki Matsui will face his former team for the first time since last July. In 15 games against his former team he has hit .262 with 4 home runs and 8 RBI. He hit .297 and 62 home runs at the old Yankee Stadium, but only .268 at the new Yankee Stadium. He’ll look to add to the 17 career home runs in 86 games at the new Yankee Stadium tonight.