TEMPE, Ariz. — Jake Marisnick is in a familiar position.
The outfielder has more than nine years of major league service time, but this is the third straight season in which he’s been in spring training on a minor-league deal, fighting for a job.
The last two times — with the Texas Rangers in 2022 and the Chicago White Sox in 2023 — he didn’t make it. Even though he started in the minors, he clawed his way back to the majors, adding new teams to his collection.
Marisnick, 32, has been a part of 13 organizations, including the Angels, and he’s been in the majors with nine teams. Last season he hit .225 with a .662 OPS in 42 games, split between the White Sox, Detroit Tigers and Dodgers.
His frequent uniform changes are likely why he doesn’t seem to be thinking too much about the fact that there’s no clear way for him to make the Angels roster, despite hitting .409 with two homers through his first 22 at-bats this spring.
“At the end of the day, you don’t focus on (the roster),” Marisnick said. “You focus on fine-tuning your game, getting ready for the season. You can’t look over your shoulder. You look forward. You just stay in the moment.”
Marisnick said he’s been working in particular on bunting for hits and stealing bases. He’s reached on one bunt single and he has five stolen bases this spring.
“He’s been doing a great job,” manager Ron Washington said. “He’s hitting some bombs and running the bases, playing some defense. He’s been doing exactly what he needs to do. His spring training has been impressive.”
The Angels, though, have a crowded outfield situation at the moment. Center fielder Mike Trout and left fielder Taylor Ward seem to be set for everyday jobs. The Angels have Mickey Moniak, Jo Adell and Aaron Hicks to fight for the remaining playing time. Moniak and Adell are both out of options, and all three players are currently on the 40-man roster, while Marisnick would need to be added.
Marisnick…
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