Jakubauskas gets activated, awaits his first O's appearance

Chris Jakubauskas is back in the major leagues. This time he wants to stick around longer than 12 pitches. Jakubauskas was officially recalled today by the Birds as Brad Bergesen was sent back to Triple-A. He will possibly be the starting pitcher tomorrow, but that plan could get foiled if the O's need to use him in either of the two games here today. "All I've been told is (I'm the) emergency arm for tonight and tomorrow will be handled later tonight, probably after the game I'll find something out." Jakubauskas said. "But you never know. I'm hoping I get in tonight, but I'll take whatever they give me." Jakubauskas is 6-8 with an ERA of 5.48 in 32 big league games, eight starts in 2009 with Seattle and last year with Pittsburgh. His last big league start, last April 24th, ended on his 12th pitch when he was struck in the head by Lance Berkman's line drive in Houston and he suffered a concussion. "That took a little bit of time to get over health wise, but mentally I'm over it," Jakubauskas said. "It took 32 years to get hit in the head. If it's my turn to get it again, it's my turn to get it again. But if I get past 12 pitches tomorrow, I'll probably smile a little bit. "This is rewarding (being in the majors), you don't strive to play in the minor leagues. This is the main goal. I know I will be amped up, but experience will help me. I've faced Texas a bunch." He last pitched in an exhibition on Tuesday night when Triple-A Norfolk played vs. Norfolk State. He threw five innings and 72 pitches. "I'm fresh and ready to go," he said. "If I get in there tonight, great, or start tomorrow, perfect." Jakubauskas did not allow a run and gave up just four hits over 6 1/3 innings in spring training games. Now he awaits his Orioles debut which could come tonight or as the starter tomorrow. "I threw well in spring, but a lot of guys threw well in spring," Jakubauskas said. "The first thing you want to do is do your job in Triple-A and be one of the first guys called up. That happened, so I'll try to stay here as long as I can."



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