ARLINGTON, Texas — The next chapter in Ubaldo Jimenez’s career begins tonight against the Texas Rangers.
And the baseball world will be paying close attention.
Jimenez was part of a blockbuster trade last weekend that sent him from the Rockies to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for four minor-leaguers, including top pitching prospects Drew Pomeranz and Alex White.
“I know the Rockies got really good talent in the trade for me,” Jimenez said Wednesday. “At the same time, the Indians got me because they feel good about me. That’s going to make me work hard every single day.”
Jimenez, 6-9 with a 4.46 ERA this season, understands that coming to the American League and facing tougher lineups will be a challenge.
“I’m ready for it,” Jimenez said. “It probably will be a little different, but I realized that I don’t have to hit or run. The only thing I have to think about is pitching.”
The Indians enter tonight’s game against Derek Holland (10-4, 4.14 ERA) three games behind Detroit in the AL Central.
“When I found out where I was going, I was really excited by the way the Indians have been playing. This team is only two or three games behind. They already know how to win, what it takes to win. I just want to be part of the team. And when I’m not pitching, I want to be a good cheerleader.”
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