Rockies' Ubaldo Jimenez Slated For Tuesday Return Against Giants

The Colorado Rockies, who entered Monday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants with the best record (12-3) in Major League Baseball, have done it all without Ubaldo Jimenez, their ace starting pitcher.

Jimenez has started just once this season, and gave up six runs in six innings before going on the Disabled List with a cut cuticle on his pitching thumb. But with the cuticle healed, Jimenez is scheduled to face off against Jonathan Sanchez Tuesday night at Coors Field.

Everybody associated with the Rockies should be thrilled, save perhaps Greg Reynolds, who went 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA as Jimenez’s replacement. But with only three strikeouts in his 11 innings, Reynolds hardly staked his claim on a slot in the rotation, and figures to be heading back to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

The Rockies are off to their best start ever, and that none of their 12 wins have been earned by Jimenez makes it all the more impressive.

Ubaldo Jimenez To Return From Disabled List On April 18

The Colorado Rockies are going to get their ace back, as Ubaldo Jimenez's injury to his right thumb cuticle is apparently healed. According to MLB.com writer Thomas Harding, Jimenez is scheduled to make his first start off the disabled list against the San Francisco Giants on Monday, April 18.

The original injury was announced shortly after concerns raised over Jimenez's velocity in his first start. According to Rotoworld, Jimenez was back to his old self in an extended spring training game:

Jimenez reached 97 mph with his fastball in an extended spring game on Wednesday and was able to throw 81 pitches without any issues.

There is no word on a corresponding roster move, though it would seem as if the Rockies would send down Greg Reynolds, who was called up to replace Jimenez in the rotation. The Rockies won the only start that Jimenez missed, and they are currently in first place in the NL West.

Ubaldo Jimenez Placed On Disabled List With Cut Thumb Cuticle

After Colorado Rockies' ace Ubaldo Jimenez featured reduced velocity in his first start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, his health was a significant concern. His fastball, typically in the upper-90s, was sitting in the low-90s without its traditional movement. News of a bum cuticle on his right thumb came out shortly after, and though the Rockies were hopeful their ace could avoid the disabled list, they finally decided they didn't want to rush him back and made a DL stint official.

The move is retroactive to April 2, and Greg Reynolds was recalled to take Jimenez's roster spot. According to Denver Post writer Troy Renck, Jorge De La Rosa will pitch on Friday night, and Reynolds will pitch on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Jimenez's absence.

Jimenez had a problem with the same thumb in the spring, with an infected finger that eventually had to be drained. That injury caused him to miss one start in the Cactus League.