SAN FRANCISCO — Though he has yet to start a game for the Padres this season, Travis Jankowski has found a way to contribute. Through Tuesday, the young outfielder had been used in 10 contests as a late-inning defensive replacement, primarily in relief of right fielder Matt Kemp.
According to both defensive metrics and the eye test, Jankowski has been far better than serviceable in a role that caters to his plus speed. The 24-year-old created perhaps San Diego's top highlight thus far on April 16, when in the 11th inning of a tie game he sprinted into shallow right-center for a diving, full-extension catch.