James Jones out for Season After Freak Knee Injury
Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher James Jones has been ruled out for the season after suffering a torn patella tendon in his right knee. According to MLB.com’s TR Sullivan, the injury occurred on Monday, when he tripped over one of his son’s toys.
Rangers LHP James Jones tore the patella tendon in his right knee on Monday. Injury occurred when he tripped on one of his son’s toys and fell.
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) April 2, 2020
A Unique Career
Jones, 31, was originally an outfielder with the Seattle Mariners — making his MLB debut in 2014. He was then acquired by the Rangers on November 16, 2015, where he was converted to pitching. Unfortunately for Jones, he was forced to undergo “Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on August 24, 2016, and missed almost all of the following season.” However, he showed considerable improvement last season, posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 71 strikeouts in 64 innings across the Double-A and Triple-A ranks. As a result, Jones was selected to appear in the Texas League All-Star Game and received the 2019 True Ranger Award. This award is given to the minor league player who best represents the “core values of the organization in a positive light both on and off the field.”
Before the 2020 season was abruptly suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, Jones competed for a spot in the Rangers bullpen — attending Rangers spring training on a non-roster invite. The New York native had allowed just one run through 4.2 innings (1.93 ERA) over four appearances this spring.
Jones will become a free agent following the 2020 season after signing a minor league contract in January. He will look to rehab and overcome yet another injury with hopes of returning to the majors, this time, as a reliever.
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