Jones on future: 'I would love to' come back

Ray scheduled to make next start vs. Marlins

September 12th, 2019

NEW YORK -- D-backs outfielder Adam Jones said recently he has a lot left in the tank and would like to continue playing baseball beyond the 2019 season. He went so far to say he would love to play for Arizona in 2020.

“It’s a great place to play,” Jones said. “Do I know their plans for the future? No. Do I know [if the future] involves me? I don’t know that. But I think the conversations we have had this year, it’s obvious we have respect for each other. If something works out this offseason and they want to bring me back, obviously, I would love to [come back].”

Jones, 34, has been a positive influence with the D-backs since signing a one-year, $3 million deal during Spring Training. Entering Thursday’s action, Jones was hitting .266 with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs. He was playing often during the first half of the season, but saw limited action after the All-Star break. The team has given playing time to players such as Jarrod Dyson and Josh Rojas.

“It’s hard for me to tell someone of Jones’ status, ‘We are going to sit you down more than you would probably like,’” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “He has not let it affect any part of his game and he is a good teammate. I appreciate that.”

According to Jones, the team has been honest with him when it comes to playing time during the second half of the season. When he is not playing, he tries his best to help the younger players on the team.

“They let me know if I’m playing or if I’m not,” Jones said. “I try to maintain the utmost professionalism. When I’m not playing, I’m ready to go. I’m trying to push the younger guys to continue to play, play this game right and have fun. I’ve played in over 120 games this season. Knock on wood. I’m healthy. This training staff is amazing. I have a lot left in the tank, so hopefully, we finish this year strong and, hopefully, it parlays into something this offseason.”

Injury report

Despite tearing off a protective layer of skin on his left middle finger, left-hander Robbie Ray is scheduled to make his next start against the Marlins on Monday, according to Lovullo. The team thought about giving him extra rest, but Ray spoke to Lovullo on Thursday morning and said he wanted the baseball.

In Wednesday’s 9-0 loss to the Mets, Ray pitched 2/3 of an inning and allowed five runs. Ray couldn’t get a good grip on his curveball and slider because of the finger problem. He could have relied almost exclusively on his fastball, but that wasn’t part of the game plan in an important outing like Wednesday’s game.