Struggling designated hitter Eloy Jiménez was optioned to the minors on Tuesday in order for the Orioles to make room on the roster for Ryan Mountcastle. The decision came hours before the Orioles were scheduled to take on the Yankees on Tuesday night in The Bronx.
Jiménez had to sign off on the decision due to his service time, according to the Baltimore Banner.
Jiménez came over in a deal with the White Sox at the trade deadline and spent just 33 games with the Orioles before they made the roster move.
He struggled in his short stint with the Orioles, hitting just .232 with one home run, seven RBIs and 23 strikeouts.
The O’s got Mountcastle back after he suffered a wrist injury on Aug. 22 against the Astros.
Jiménez, was not htting well in Chicago before the trade, and while talented, he’s battled injuries in his career.
From 2021-23, he appeared in 53 percent of all possible White Sox games and has averaged 95 games per season over the last five years, though that does not include the shortened 2020 COVID-19 season.
There have been flashes of the power hitter he can be — hitting 31 home runs during his rookie season in 2019 and winning a Silver Slugger in 2020.
Jiménez has a $16.5 million team option for next season, which does include a $3 million buyout.
The Orioles and Yankees play in an important series in The Bronx this week, with the Yanks having the chance to lock up the American League East on Tuesday night.
Eloy Jiménez's Struggles in Baltimore
Jiménez's struggles with the Orioles are a continuation of a trend that began earlier in the season. He had previously been placed on the Injured List twice in the first two months of the season, once for a left adductor strain and another for a left hamstring strain. These injuries, combined with his struggles at the plate, have made him a less appealing player for the Orioles. He has a $16.5 million team option for next season, which does include a $3 million buyout, so the Orioles will likely not pick up the option. He will likely go to the free agency market where he will be looking to market himself as a bounceback candidate. The Orioles have been able to field a strong lineup despite injuries, with a key addition being the return of Ryan Mountcastle.
Ryan Mountcastle Returns from Injury
Mountcastle is a valuable asset for the Orioles, a solid defender at first base who adds another potent bat to an already dangerous lineup. The O’s have struggled recently with numerous position players on the injured list but recently have seen the return of a number of key players.
The Orioles have been inching back to full strength with the return of Westburg, Urías, and now Mountcastle, a development that ultimately squeezed Jiménez off the roster. His return comes at a critical time for the Orioles, who are fighting for a playoff spot and a chance to make a deep run in the postseason.
The Future of Eloy Jiménez
With only six regular season games remaining, Jiménez will have a chance to showcase his talents in the minor leagues. The Orioles have not committed to using Rodriguez out of the bullpen, so he may also be used as a pinch-hitter. The Orioles are hoping that Jiménez can find his rhythm and timing in the minor leagues.
Looking Ahead for the Orioles
The Orioles are hoping that their recent return of players from the Injured List will push them to a playoff berth, and a possible deep run in the postseason.
Eloy Jimenez's Stint in Baltimore
The Orioles’ roster moves are designed to help them make a push for the postseason. While the trade deadline may be over, the team is looking to improve their roster by making moves with players they have on hand. There are still questions about the direction of the Orioles, but they are in a position to make a run.
