Jonny Gomes’ attempt to win a job begins against the team that let him go.

The Cincinnati Reds open their spring training schedule on Wednesday against Tampa Bay, which decided not to offer the 28-year-old outfielder a contract after last season. He’s one of a half-dozen players trying to win at least a share of the Reds’ job in left field.

‘‘It will be different,’’ Gomes said. ‘‘From the time I was in the minor leagues from 2001 to the big leagues, I was with those guys the whole way up. They molded me into the player I am today.’’

As the games begin, Gomes is trying to resurrect a career that crashed last season. He batted .182 with eight homers and 21 RBIs in 154 at-bats, prompting the Rays to send him to the minors and, eventually, to give up on him.

‘‘It was just time,’’ Gomes said. ‘‘I was drafted in 2000. It’s 2009. I found the last two seasons there that my style of play didn’t fit their style, which is totally fine.’’