Jurrjens elects free agency

Pitcher Jair Jurrjens cleared waivers today and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. However, he refused the assignment and elected to become a free agent. The Orioles designated Jurrjens for assignment on Friday to make room for reliever Jairo Asencio on the 40-man roster. They were unable to trade him and couldn't get him back in Norfolk's rotation. Jurrjens, 27, has posted a 4.91 ERA in two games with the Orioles, including one start, covering 7 1/3 innings. He went 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA in 16 starts for the Tides. In his only start with the Orioles, Jurrjens allowed four runs and six hits in five innings against Tampa Bay on May 18 at Camden Yards. He threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief against the Yankees on June 29. Jurrjens signed with the Orioles as a free agent on Feb. 15, but not before a lengthy delay following his physical. Concerns over his knee led the club to restructure the contract, turning it into a minor league deal. The Braves non-tendered Jurrjens on Nov. 30, allowing him to become a free agent. Now I can sit back and consider how many hours were spent over the winter updating Jurrjens' contract situation and why it was taking so long to sign him. And how many hours were spent in spring training checking on Jurrjens' knee and dissecting his mechanics. He ended up making one start for the Orioles this season. And now he's gone.