SURPRISE, Ariz. — Andruw Jones’ time with the Texas Rangers could end Friday.
Jones is in camp on a minor league contract that includes a provision stating that if he is not on the major league roster by March 20, he would be released if requested or added to the roster within 24 hours.
“I can’t say anything right now,” Jones said Thursday. “Ask me tomorrow.”
He hit 51 home runs with 128 RBI in 2005 with the Atlanta Braves, but has only a .205 batting average the past two seasons. Jones hit .158 with three home runs in 75 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, when he went on the disabled list three times last and had right knee surgery.
Jones, who turns 32 on April 23, said he is waiting for a call Friday from his agent, Scott Boras.
“Decision is Andruw’s,” general manager Jon Daniels said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. “He’s had a good camp, as have our other outfielders. It’s an area of strength for us this year.”
Jones has hit .258 with one home run and two RBIs in 13 spring training games, but has struck out 14 times in 31 at-bats. The 10-time Gold Glove winner has appeared only in minor league exhibitions this week.
Texas has a set outfield, with Josh Hamilton in center, Nelson Cruz in right and David Murphy or Marlon Byrd in left. Frank Catalanotto is the fifth outfielder.
If added to the big league roster, Jones would get a $500,000, one-year contract and the chance to earn $1 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances from 340 to 620.
The Rangers did make seven roster moves Thursday, optioning infielder German Duran and outfielders Greg Golson and Julio Borbon to Triple-A Oklahoma City of the Pacific Coast League and right-hander John Bannister to Double-A Frisco of the Texas League. Duran, who went to Fort Worth Paschal High and Texas Christian, hit .231 in 60 games in 2008 with Texas.
Texas also assigned right-hander Elizardo Ramirez, left-hander Justin Smoak and left-hander Joe Torres to its minor league camp.
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