Colorado Rockies: Ubaldo Jimenez pressing forward with comeback

Despite not being included on the Colorado Rockies’ 60 man roster, Ubaldo Jimenez is still continuing forward with his comeback.

Back in February, an interesting comeback attempt was launched. Ubaldo Jimenez had been signed to a minor league contract by the Colorado Rockies with the hope that he would be able to continue his career. Although he had not pitched at any level before suiting up in the Dominican Winter League this past offseason, he performed well, with his arm seemingly healthy again.

Given a chance by the Rockies in spring training, Jimenez failed to impress. He allowed nine runs, five earned, on nine hits and two walks over his 5.1 innings, striking out just two batters. While spring training stats should be taken with a grain of salt, one had to hope for something more from Jimenez.

It was, therefore, not a surprise that the Rockies left Jimenez off of their 60 man roster. This decision led to some heated words for the organization from Jimenez, who felt that the Rockies misled him regarding their intentions for the summer programs. That decision also would seemingly mark the end of his comeback.

But that is not the case. Jimenez is continuing to press forward, hoping to latch on with another organization. He says that his arm feels healthy, and he still has a passion for the game. And, with teams always on the lookout for rotation depth, it is not outside the realm of possibility that he could find a franchise desperate enough to give him a shot.

Jimenez was one of the few pitchers to find success in Colorado. During his six years with the Rockies, he posted a 56-45 record, along with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.284 WHiP, striking out 773 batters against 371 walks in 851 innings. However, that success essentially came to an end once he left Colorado.

While he had his moments with the Indians, particularly in his free agency season in 2013, he was a disaster for the Orioles. Signed to a four year deal worth $50 million, he posted a 32-42 record, with a 5.22 ERA and a 1.496 WHiP during his time in Baltimore. A free agent following the 2017 season, Jimenez was unable to garner any interest at all before the Rockies came calling.

Now Jimenez is in the same situation he was before. While he did have 5.1 innings in March, he hardly impressed in that time. Now, with teams filling out their 60 man rosters, and the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season in the first place, he is attempting to find another team willing to give him a shot.

Ubaldo Jimenez is not ready to give up on his comeback attempt, but that decision may have already been made for him.