Baltimore Orioles: Ubaldo Jimenez to the Bullpen

The Orioles will be putting Ubaldo Jimenez in the bullpen, which is the right move. But will he be able to save his roster spot in it?

The Baltimore Orioles had a difficult decision to make with Yovani Gallardo coming off the disabled list. Who would leave the rotation to open up a spot for his return on Saturday? It was a tough decision for a variety of reasons, but the Orioles wisely chose to go with Ubaldo Jimenez. This isn’t the first time Jimenez has been put in the bullpen, as he was also used out of the bullpen in 2014. 

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To say that Jimenez hasn’t lived up to his contract would be an understatement. Since signing with the Orioles, Jimenez has a 4.81 ERA in 70 games, averaging just barely over five innings per start. He has 337 strikeouts and 180 walks. This season, he has been terrible even by his standards with a 6.89 ERA while striking out 53 batters and walking 35.

And he can’t even blame bad luck – his 4.45 FIP is among the worst in all of baseball. Jimenez, whether it was fair or not, had a bit of a long leash because of his contract. He has used all of that leash. Now his roster spot could be in question.

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Can Ubaldo Jimenez have success out of the bullpen? Who knows. There have been worse starting pitchers than Ubaldo who have been able to make a successful transition to the bullpen (Zach Britton comes to mind). Even Brian Matusz was able to be a solid reliever for two seasons. The Orioles could easily get similar numbers from Jimenez if he can make the transition.

In order to have success in the bullpen, Jimenez will have to work his way up the ladder. He will likely be used solely as a long reliever at the beginning, being given mop up duty. Should he be able to work his way up, he could be a middle relief option and make the Orioles greatest strength even stronger.

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One thing is for sure – Ubaldo Jimenez’s time in Baltimore is running out. His time in the bullpen might be his last shot.