Jimenez struggles again, Orioles make 4 errors in loss
CLEVELAND (AP) There was a time when Ubaldo Jimenez was comfortable on the mound at Progressive Field.
On Saturday, the former Indians starter didn't look at all at ease.
Jimenez allowed six runs in 1 2/3 innings, Baltimore committed four errors and the Orioles lost to Cleveland 11-4.
Baltimore has lost five of its past six games.
Jimenez (2-6) retired only five of the 14 batters he faced before being pulled by manager Buck Showalter. Third baseman Pedro Alvarez's fielding error in the first made three of the runs permitted by Jimenez unearned.
Alvarez also had a throwing error, and the Orioles allowed six unearned runs.
Showalter said the defense hurt Jimenez but also said his right-hander lacked command.
''He's not able to get the ball where he needs it to go,'' Showalter said. ''Walks in deep counts, kind of taking away the possibility of something other than a fastball.''
The 32-year-old pitched for the Indians from 2011-13 and finished his final season with a 13-9 record to help Cleveland make the playoffs. After a 9-9 start to the year, Jimenez won four games in September.
Following that stretch for Cleveland, Jimenez signed a four-year, $50 million contract with Baltimore, but he entered with a 4.63 ERA with the Orioles.
Saturday's start marked the third consecutive outing in which the right-hander has surrendered six runs. Despite his recent struggles, Jimenez vowed that he will get back on track soon.
''I have the faith that things are going to change,'' Jimenez said. ''I work hard every day and I'm going to find a way to recover and get back on track.''
The Indians scored four times in the first on three hits, two walks, three stolen bases and Alvarez's error.
Carlos Santana singled and Jason Kipnis walked to start the rally, and the runners moved up on an infield out. Alvarez tried to backhand Mike Napoli's grounder, but it kicked off his glove and rolled into left field for a 2-0 lead. Napoli was credited with an RBI.
Jose Ramirez walked and, following a double steal, Gomes singled through the right side.
Jimenez retired the first two hitters in the second, but Francisco Lindor singled, stole second and scored on Napoli's single. Jimenez was removed after walking Ramirez and Uribe's single off Vance Worley made it 6-0.
Worley allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings in relief of Jimenez, which helped to keep the Baltimore bullpen intact for the series finale against Cleveland on Sunday.
Facing Danny Salazar (5-3), the Orioles offense was led by Adam Jones, who drove in two runs, and Mark Trumbo, who had three hits for Baltimore.
The game was delayed by rain for 22 minutes in the eighth inning.
MANNY FAN
Indians manager Terry Francona praised Manny Machado, who has been playing shortstop for Baltimore in place of the injured J.J. Hardy after beginning the season at third base.
''When they moved him to shortstop, you kind of hoped he'd swing the bat more like a shortstop,'' Francona said. ''For him to go to short like that, and I know he played short before, but to go over there seamlessly (is impressive). But man, he can swing it.''
TRAINER'S ROOM
Orioles: RHP Yovani Gallardo (shoulder tendinitis) threw three innings in a simulated game Saturday. He's scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Class A Frederick on Thursday.
Indians: OF Michael Brantley (right shoulder inflammation) has no timetable for his return. He's on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season.
UP NEXT
Orioles: RHP Chris Tillman (6-1) looks to win his sixth straight decision. He hasn't lost since April 14, a span of seven starts.
Indians: RHP Mike Clevinger (0-1) makes his third major league start. The rookie allowed six runs, including two homers, in five innings against the White Sox on Monday.