PEORIA, Ariz. _ The Padres will be without outfielder Travis Jankowski for a significant amount of time after tests confirmed he broke his left wrist diving for a ball on Sunday.
Jankowski's ability to fill in late in games on defense at all three spots and on the bases is unmatched among the players remaining in their crowded outfield.
"He definitely brings some special ingredients," manager Andy Green said. "Speed, the ability to defend _ those are really strong attributes to him. We don't have anybody who is really the same level as him in that regard."
Jankowski, 27, stole a team-high 24 bases in 31 attempts last season. Among players with more than 285 plate appearances, he also led the Padres with a .332 on-base percentage. His .340 career on-base percentage against right-handed pitchers also made him an ideal spot starter.
While the power possessed by Wil Myers, Hunter Renfroe and Franmil Reyes and the all-around potential of Manuel Margot and Franchy Cordero made them more ideal everyday outfielders, Jankowski has worked his way into a role the Padres were increasingly coveting as they expect to be more competitive in more games.
