Quick Jakubauskas update

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

October 30, 2011, 11:16am

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It took longer to type his last name. Pitcher Chris Jakubauskas, who cleared waivers last week, has refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk and elected to become a free agent. Jakubauskas was outrighted previously, which allowed him to refuse the assignment. He also would have qualified as a minor league free agent later this week. Jakubauskas, 32, was 2-2 with a 5.72 ERA in 33 games (six starts) and 72 1/3 innings for the Orioles this season. He wasn't invited to spring training after signing a minor league deal, but he got some work in exhibition games and made a nice impression on manager Buck Showalter, who often praised him while meeting with reporters. I exchanged text messages today with Jakubauskas, who said he'd like to reach a deal with the Orioles and remain in the organization. He's not bitter about being outrighted, though the decision came as a surprise. He's just keeping his options open and will gauge interest from other clubs. Catcher/infielder Jake Fox also is expected to refuse his outright assignment and become a free agent.