Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bays Rays left fielder Eloy Jimenez (74) catches a line drive in the third inning against the Washington Nationals during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Veteran Outfielder Eloy Jiménez Changes Positions With Tampa Bay Rays' Triple-A Team

Originally posted on Minor League Baseball on SI
By Sam Connon | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 5:27 PM ET

When Eloy Jiménez opted to stick around in the Tampa Bay Rays' farm system last month, he accepted the significant change in scenery that was presented to him.

The 28-year-old slugger has kept that mindset alive as a member of the Durham Bulls this season, trying things he never did with the Chicago White Sox or Baltimore Orioles.

Jiménez started at first base for Triple-A Durham on Saturday in the second game of their doubleheader against the Buffalo Bisons. An outfielder by trade and a designated hitter more often than not, Jiménez's appearance there marked the second of his 12-year professional career.

With two outs in the bottom of the second inning, Damiano Palmegiani sent a pop fly Jiménez's way. The veteran camped under it and made then catch before smiling and throwing his arms up in the air in celebration on his way back to the dugout.

Eloy Jimenez is playing 1st base for just the 2nd time in his pro career today

We dare you to watch his reaction to catching a popup without smiling pic.twitter.com/eDmhWUfMXc
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) April 12, 2025

Jiménez's first career appearance at first base came on April 5. He has now logged 17.0 innings at the position without making an error.

Through 13 Triple-A games this season, Jiménez is batting .240 with a .661 OPS. He hit .244 with a .694 OPS in spring training.

Jiménez finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2019, then won a Silver Slugger in 2020. He was a .275 hitter with an .811 career OPS in the big leagues through 2023, before he hit .238 with a .626 OPS between Chicago and Baltimore in 2024.

Should he prove himself capable at first, Jiménez could be on the shortlist of options that the Rays can turn to if any of their veteran hitters go down with injuries. For the time being, though, he will continue to set the stage for his career resurgence in the minors, suiting up for the Bulls wherever necessary.

This article first appeared on Minor League Baseball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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