8 Desmond Jennings, CF

Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings led off and had a solid offensive game on Wednesday during a 9-2 loss to the Red Sox. 

Jennings tripled and stole his sixth base of the season as he finished 2 for 5 with an RBI and run scored. He's batting .243. 

The speedy center fielder already has six stolen bases and two triples to go with four homers and 11 RBI. He's scored 28 runs and that has him in the top 10 in the American League. 

Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings was back in action Tuesday in a win over the Red Sox, following a three-game absence due to a groin injury.

Jennings didn't contribute much in a 5-3 win, going 0 for 4 from the leadoff spot with a strikeout to drop his average to .237. 

The 0-for-4 game ended a seven-game hitting streak for Jennings in which he increased his average from .218 to .244. 

Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings returned to the starting lineup Tuesday against Boston following a three-game absence with a groin injury, the Tampa Tribune reports. Jennings took his usual spot atop the batting order as he prepared for his first game since last Thursday.

Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings missed a third straight start Sunday against the Padres because of a groin injury. Jennings said he's starting to feel better and the hope is he will return to the lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox following Monday's off-day, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Jennings is on a seven-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games. He's batting .277 (13 for 47) with one triple, two doubles, two home runs, six RBI, six walks and 10 runs in his last 11 games.

Rays manager Joe Maddon insisted the injury that kept outfielder Desmond Jennings sidelined for the second game in a row Saturday is not a serious ailment and he could return for Sunday's series finale against the Padres. Jennings said he aggravated his groin while diving back to first base Thursday against Toronto.

"He's fine. I'm just really taking it easy with him right now," Maddon told MLB.com. "I think he might be fine by [Sunday]. I like the idea of giving him a rest right now. I think with a little respite right now, this guy is going to be even better when we bring him on back. We'll just see."