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Colorado Rockies: Ubaldo Jimenez sails off into retirement

By David Hill

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 30: Ubaldo Jimenez #38 of the Colorado Rockies walks on the field before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 30, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 30: Ubaldo Jimenez #38 of the Colorado Rockies walks on the field before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 30, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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Former Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez has acknowledged the inevitable, calling off his comeback attempt and drifting away into retirement.

Despite having not pitched since 2017, Ubaldo Jimenez had looked to make a comeback. He had signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies back in February, the team that he found his greatest success with. Although he was left off the Rockies’ 60 man roster when summer camp began, Jimenez said he was pushing forward with his comeback, looking for other opportunities.

On Thursday, he finally accepted the inevitable, announcing his official retirement from the game.

His comeback attempt had actually gotten off to a good start. Jimenez pitched for the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League this past offseason, the first time he had pitched professionally since the end of 2017. He posted a solid 3.03 ERA and a 1.342 WHiP in his 29.2 innings, striking out 27 batters with 13 walks.

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That success did not carry over to spring training. While pitchers are typically working on getting themselves ready, Jimenez needed to impress in order to have a chance in Colorado. He struggled instead, allowing nine runs, five earned, on nine hits and two walks over 5.1 innings, striking out just two batters.

It is a far cry from what Jimenez was during his first stint with the organization. He was one of the few pitchers to find success as a member of the Rockies, making an All Star Game and finishing third in the NL Cy Young vote in 2010. It is safe to say that he is the best pitcher in franchise history.

He could not find that same level of success outside of Colorado. While he had his moments, Jimenez is also going to be remembered for being one of the greatest free agent busts in Baltimore Orioles history, unable to live up to his four year, $50 million contract. Overall, he posted a respectable 114-117 record with a 4.34 ERA and a 1.393 WHiP, striking out 1720 batters with 848 walks.

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Father Time catches up with us all eventually. Former Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez acknowledged the inevitable on Thursday, as he heads off into retirement.

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