After his latest struggles, what is next for Ubaldo Jimenez?

On a day the Orioles hoped that right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez would begin to turn his season around, things instead got worse. With an ERA of 7.81 over his last five starts coming into this game, Jimenez allowed four runs in the first inning today and lasted just 1 2/3 in the Orioles' 11-4 loss at Cleveland.

Now comes the pertinent question: Can the Orioles continue to send Jimenez out there every fifth day?

His final line today was 1 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and six runs (three earned) with three walks and one strikeout. He threw 50 pitches, but just 25 for strikes. His ERA for the season is up to 6.36.

Over his past three starts, Jimenez has allowed 15 runs in 11 2/3 innings and his ERA is 8.29 over his last six starts. Today's outing - where he got just five outs - was his shortest start since April 16, 2013 when he pitched for Cleveland against Boston.

The Indians also stole four bases off him today. It was a track meet. So he didn't have command, he didn't pitch well and he didn't hold runners. Other than that ...

Vance Worley, who came on in relief for Jimenez, made two starts earlier this year. One option would include a swap - Jimenez to the 'pen and Worley into his spot in the rotation.

Worley went 4 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) and threw 60 pitches. He was stretched out enough to go 75 or more pitches on Thursday, the next time this rotation spot comes up.

It is too soon for Yovani Gallardo to return to the rotation, Jimenez cannot be optioned to the minors and the Orioles are not going to eat his contract through 2017. But Gallardo is scheduled to make a rehab start at Single-A Frederick next Thursday, when this rotation spot comes up. Maybe the second time through he will be ready to move back into the rotation.

In what could be a very tight American League East race this year, the Orioles can't have a starter getting hit hard or allowing a big number every fifth day. Right now, he is not giving his team a chance to win. After his start on Sunday, when the Orioles lost 10-2 at Anaheim, Buck Showalter said, "We're not at that point yet," when asked if Jimenez's rotation spot was shaky. Less than a week later, they may be at that point.

Games notes from today:

* The Orioles' 11 runs allowed was a season high. The Orioles have allowed 10 runs twice and the 11 today all over the last 11 games, with Jimenez starting all three contests.

* The Orioles went 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base.

* The Red Sox also lost today, so the Orioles remain one game out of first place. They are 27-20 with five losses in the last six games.

* The Orioles allowed six unearned runs today and made four errors for the second time on this road trip.

* Mark Trumbo went 3-for-4 today. Over his last four games, he is 7-for-17 (.412) with two homers and three RBIs.