Rockies RHP Jimenez confirms trade to Cleveland

By foxsports
Published

Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez said he was traded to the Cleveland Indians - shortly after he pitched one inning for Colorado at San Diego on Saturday night.

Jimenez said he was surprised. ''Everybody knew it, even me,'' he said outside the visitors clubhouse after his outing.

Jimenez, who allowed four runs on two hits with four walks and two strikeouts, said he was surprised he even pitched in the game.

Rockies spokesman Jay Alves said the deal with Cleveland wasn't complete.

In a bizarre scene, Jimenez went to the mound to warm up after Troy Tulowitzki had hit a two-run homer in the top of the first. At the same time, Esmil Rogers began throwing in the Rockies' bullpen.

The Indians, meanwhile, scratched top pitching prospect, Drew Pomeranz, from his scheduled start at Double-A Akron.

Jimenez had a rough first inning and said it was tough to concentrate.

''When I got to the mound, I couldn't even throw a strike because I didn't have my mind on the game,'' he said.

After the right-hander came off the mound, he was greeted with hugs, handshakes and pats on the back from his teammates and coaches in the dugout.

When Jimenez was asked about going to Cleveland, he said: ''That's the fun part about being traded to a team like that because right now they're in a good position. They're fighting for first place.''

The Indians are 1 1/2 games behind Detroit in the AL Central. Colorado began its game 10 1/2 games behind San Francisco in the NL West.

Jimenez threw 45 pitches in the first inning, only 21 for strikes. He walked Cameron Maybin leading off the inning and after getting an out, walked Chase Headley. Ludwick followed with a two-run double down the left-field line.

Jimenez then walked Jesus Guzman. After striking out Chris Denorfia, Gonzalez lined a double into the left-field corner for two more runs. Jimenez walked Rob Johnson before retiring pitcher Aaron Harang on a line drive to right.

An All-Star in 2010 when he threw a no-hitter and went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA, Jimenez started the season 1-7 and was on the disabled list during April because of a cuticle cut on his right thumb.

Entering Saturday, he won three of his last four starts and was 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA.