Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez certainly deserved a win Friday night against the Chicago White Sox. And more often than now, holding an opponent to one run over seven innings will get a victory.
The Orioles traded for right-hander Scott Feldman just more than two months ago to fortify their starting rotation. They believed the veteran they acquired from the Chicago Cubs would be a valuable asset in their chase for a playoff spot.
Wilson Betemit has struggled to regain his stroke since returning from a right knee injury that robbed him of most of the season, and as it appears now, his role as the Orioles' designated hitter against right-handed pitching has all but diminished.
The reports on right-hander Jason Hammel's second minor-league rehab start for short-season Class-A Aberdeen were positive and the Orioles' Opening Day starter will rejoin the club in Baltimore Thursday.
Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold, activated off the disabled list before Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox, was immediately in the starting lineup, playing left field and batting eighth.
The Orioles have designated first baseman Travis Ishikawa for assignment, a move that will make room to add right-hander Jair Jurrjens to the 25-man roster as an extra bullpen arm.
The Orioles are interested in trading for the White Sox's Gavin Floyd and Carlos Quentin. The Orioles, known to be seeking pitchers and an outfielder, have spoken with the White Sox "several times" at the winter meetings, according to Dan Duquette.
