The Tampa Bay Rays called up top prospect Desmond Jennings, and inserted him right into the lead-off spot for his major league debut yesterday. And boy did he make that look like a good move; 2-3 with a double and a triple, 2 walks, plus a stolen base. Only 36 players since 1950 have gotten at least 4 walks plus hits in their first major league game, and only two of them had two of their hits go for extra-bases while adding a steal. Impressive stuff, and I imagine it won’t be the last time Jennings has this type of game in a Rays’ uniform.
Rated the #8 prospect in baseball in Keith Law’s mid-season rankings update, Jennings was showing this same kind of plate discipline (45 walks in 89 games) and speed (17 for 18 on stolen bases) – plus some improved pop (12 home runs, after only 3 last year) – in Triple-A before being brought to the majors. After losing Carl Crawford this past off-season, having Jennings to step into left-field is one of the reasons Tampa Bay is able to hang around with the big spenders in the AL East.
Also last night: A dominant game from the Cardinals, as the beat they Pirates 9-1 and move into a tie for first in the Central; a game-tying double in the bottom of the ninth and a walk-off one in the bottom of the 10th allowed the Royals to defeat the Rays; Ted Lilly drove in three runs for the Dodgers, who beat the Nationals on a walk-off double of their own; and much more.
What to watch tonight: Anibal Sanchez takes on Dillon Gee, as the Marlins try to creep back towards .500 while the Mets hope to move above it; Dontrelle Willis makes his third start since June of last year, as the Reds take on Brandon Beachy and the Braves; and Tim Wakefield goes for career win number 199 versus someone half his age (Michael Pineda). Full schedule with probable pitchers here.
