Who is Travis Jankowski, the Texas Rangers outfielder replacing Adolis Garcia?
The Texas Rangers are without ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia for the remainder of the World Series after he suffered a moderate strain of the oblique in Game 3.
In Game 4, his replacement in right field was nine-year veteran Travis Jankowski, who is known for his speed and fielding prowess.
Jankowski played as well as the Rangers could’ve hoped in the Rangers 11-7 victory over the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. Jankowski went 2-for-4, hitting a single in the second and a two-run double in the third, scored two runs and made one highlight catch in the bottom of the seventh inning.
After the game, Jankowski spoke with FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal about his Game 4 performance, saying he couldn’t replace Garcia’s production.
“I am not going to replace Adolis with power and RBIs, my job is to get on base and play defense,” said Jankowski, “The biggest gratification is to know all of the hard work pays off.”
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised his players for their response to adversity.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys how they bounce back how resilient they are how they’ve dealt with things whether it’s losing streaks or injuries,” said Bochy
Jankowski said the Rangers were ready to finish the job.
”One more. This was a big one tonight.”
Here are five things to know about the Rangers replacement for Garcia.
1. Jankowski was on one of the most improbable College World Series teams in recent memory when he helped unheralded Stony Brook upset LSU and the future No. 7 pick in the MLB draft, Aaron Nola, in the Super Regional. Jankowski was the 2012 America East Player of the Year and was selected as an All-American for his efforts that season.
2. Jankowsi is a threat on the basepaths and once stole 71 bases in a single season in the minor leagues that was cut short when he sprained his ankle in an accident at a swimming pool.
3. As a child, Jankowski had a fascination with the popular children’s show, “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” and was given the nickname Freddy in homage to the show’s host Fred Rogers.
4. When playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Jankowski was mistaken for former Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo due to both players having long blond hair.
5. No player in the history of Stony Brook was drafted higher than Jankowski’s 44th overall selection in 2012. Jankowski was inducted into the Stony Brook Hall of Fame in 2017.
This story was originally published October 31, 2023 at 6:12 PM.
