Jimenez Sharp As Orioles' Split-Squad Beats Blue Jays 4-2
DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) -- Ubaldo Jimenez pitched six solid innings, leading a split-squad of Baltimore Orioles to a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.
Jimenez, who is competing for a spot in Baltimore's rotation, allowed one run and five hits. The 31-year-old right-hander also struck out three and walked one.
"I don't even think about the rotation or anything like that," said Jimenez, who entered with a 6.06 ERA in five exhibition starts. "The only thing I have in my mind is getting myself ready for the season like I have done the last 10 years."
Jimenez signed a $50 million, four-year contract with Baltimore last February, and then struggled. The 2010 All-Star with Colorado went 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA. He also was left off Baltimore's roster for the AL championship series.
But Jimenez insists he isn't worried about his situation.
"Every time I get out there, I'm feeling like I'm getting more comfortable and more confident with what I'm supposed to do out there," he said.
Josh Donaldson hit his fourth spring homer in the fourth for Toronto, and Mark Buehrle pitched five effective innings. Buehrle allowed one run and seven hits.
STARTING TIME
Blue Jays: The rotation has not officially been set, but Buehrle said he expects his first regular-season start to be April 10 against the Orioles in Baltimore.
"I think it helps out because I go out there and throw slop up there when everybody's energized and going crazy," Buehrle said.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Orioles: C J.P. Arencibia (flexor mass strain) traveled, but did not play.
Blue Jays: LHP Brett Cecil (rotator cuff inflammation) walked one and struck out one in an inning of relief.
TORONTO'S MOST TALENTED?
Toronto manager John Gibbons said he believes this year's group is the most talented he's ever had coming out of spring training.
"I think if you go around the field - all the positions, the bullpen, things like that - it's pure talent," Gibbons said. "But what that translates into, we don't know yet."
With heightened expectations, a 21-year postseason drought and a seemingly wide-open AL East, Gibbons said he understands his team will be under the microscope this season.
"The heat is definitely on. It's on all of us," Gibbons said. "The team was expected two years ago to conquer the world, but we finished far from that.
People want results. But as far as (pressure), I really don't focus on that at all. Never really have. I don't think you can approach your job with that hanging over your head."
JOEY CATCH
Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista made a diving grab in the third on a hard liner by Delmon Young. Bautista tumbled forward onto the grass after the catch, but managed to hold on.
MAKING MOVES
The Blue Jays claimed first baseman Andy Wilkins off waivers from the White Sox and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo. Wilkins, 26, batted .293 with 30 homers and 85 RBIs with Chicago's Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina last season.
UP NEXT
Orioles: Touted prospect Zach Davies is scheduled to start on Monday against the Rays in Port Charlotte. The right-hander struck out one in one inning in his lone appearance, also against Tampa Bay, on March 5.
Blue Jays: Daniel Norris, Colt Hynes, Liam Hendriks and Cecil are all expected to work against the Astros on Monday in Kissimmee.
(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
