Jimenez staying in rotation

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 29, 2016, 5:22am

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CLEVELAND - Ubaldo Jimenez is staying in the Orioles rotation when they return home following today's game against the Indians at Progressive Field.

The Orioles are listing Tyler Wilson, Kevin Gausman, Mike Wright and Jimenez as their starters for the four-game series against the Red Sox that begins Monday afternoon.

Jimenez raised more questions about his status yesterday after lasting only 1 2/3 innings and being charged with six runs (three earned) in an 11-4 loss. It was his shortest outing since April 16, 2013, when he also worked only 1 2/3 innings.

Ubaldo Jimenez Baltimore.png In his last four starts, Jimenez has allowed 23 runs (19 earned) and 27 hits over 16 2/3 innings. He's also walked 14 batters while continuing to deal with command issues.

The Orioles have surrendered 10 or more runs in three games this season, all of them started by Jimenez, who still has one more year and $13.5 million remaining on his contract.

The Indians stole four bases off Jimenez yesterday, and the inability to hold runners and slow the running game clearly irks manager Buck Showalter.

It's possible that the Orioles could put Jimenez in the bullpen, as they did in 2014, but they're hoping that he works through his problems while they wait for Yovani Gallardo to come off the disabled list. Jimenez believes the inability to locate his fastball is related to his mechanics.

The Red Sox are starting knuckleballer Steven Wright, former Orioles prospect Eduardo Rodriguez, Joe Kelly and Rick Porcello at Camden Yards.

The Orioles begin today trailing the Red Sox by one game in the American League East. They're tied in the loss column.