BOSTON — Cleveland manager Manny Acta said Monday that Ubaldo Jimenez is scheduled to join the team on Wednesday in Boston and make his first start two days later.
Jimenez, one of the top acquisitions at the non-waiver trade deadline, was acquired Saturday from Colorado for four minor leaguers, including two highly touted pitching prospects.
The deal became official Sunday after Jimenez passed a physical.
Acta said he’s scheduled to make his debut with Cleveland at Texas on Friday.
“Ubaldo actually offered to pitch here Thursday, but we didn’t want to move (Justin)
Masterson,” Acta said. “He’s actually pitched well against the Red Sox.”
Acta said he spoke to Jimenez and the pitcher was happy that the last couple of weeks were finally over.
“He’s very excited. Obviously it was a roller coaster for him,” Acta said. “It’s the only team he’s ever known. He joined them when he was 16 years old. Going through this type of situation for the first time in his career wasn’t easy for him, but he’s relieved that’s it over. He’s excited and he’ll be joining our club on Wednesday.”
The move comes at a good time for the struggling Indians. Cleveland has lost eight of 10 entering Monday, a stretch that has dropped the club from first in the AL Central to 2 1/2 games behind first-place Detroit.
The Indians are coming off consecutive losing months.
