No real surprises here since Jiménez was informed earlier this week that he wasn’t going to make Tampa Bay’s season-opening roster over former top prospect Curtis Mead.

Rays manager Kevin Cash praised Jiménez for his efforts this spring and said that the 28-year-old could be a “huge part” of Tampa Bay’s roster before the end of the year. Unfortunately for Jiménez, this is as much about how good Curtis Mead was this spring as it is that Jiménez is a poor defender and has struggled at the highest level over the past few seasons.

Curtis Mead’s spring success has complicated the situation for Jiménez in Tampa Bay, and it’s possible he’ll be left off the roster. A couple of more games like this would help his case, though. He’s batting .263/.300/.447 with an 11/1 K/BB in 40 plate appearances.

With Curtis Mead tearing the cover off the ball this spring, the Rays are likely looking for another way to keep Jiménez on the active roster. However, the 28-year-old is hitting just .208 with nine strikeouts to one walk in 26 plate appearances this spring. If he doesn’t make the team out of spring training, he will have to pass through waivers, where he can be claimed by any other team.