"Center fielder Andruw Jones is going to stick around with the Rangers, possibly until spring training ends, for a chance to make the opening-day roster.

Jones, a five-time All-Star, is not going to opt out of his minor league contract Monday to become a free agent.

General manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington met with Jones before the team bus headed to Glendale, Ariz., for a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

They again told him that his only shot at making the roster is as a bench player, and Jones told them he is willing to accept a reduced role. But he also knows there are no guarantees he will be on the roster when the season begins April 6.

"They want me on the team, but it's a tough decision to make right now," Jones said. "So they told me to take a few more days and see what happens."

The Rangers want to see if Jones, a right-handed slugger, can continue to improve at the plate and emerge as an upgrade over Frank Catalanotto.

If so, Jones could become the Rangers' fifth outfielder and a part-time designated hitter who will play primarily against left-handed pitchers.

Most of his at-bats would probably come in place of DH Hank Blalock or first baseman Chris Davis, who bat left-handed, and center fielder Josh Hamilton when he needs a day off.

Catalanotto is Jones' primary competition for what is expected to be the final roster spot. The Rangers owe Catalanotto $4 million this season plus a $2 million buyout next year.

No team has stepped forward as a trade partner, even though the Rangers would probably be willing to take on 80 percent of the contract.

Something has to give to create a vacancy for Jones.

"To [Jones'] credit, he's told us that he's willing to play any role on the club that we see fit and do anything that Ron needs him to do," Daniels said. "We're looking at the best configuration for our bench, and we have to make that decision."

Jones said he never expected to compete for a starting job with the Rangers and only wanted a chance to work with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo in an attempt to resurrect his career.

He showed improvement last week in minor league games and batting practice. Jaramillo said Jones' bat speed is still there and that he has ironed out the mechanical breakdowns that contributed to a .158 average with the Dodgers in 2008."