Blue Jays Series Preview: Baltimore Orioles look to keep Jays grounded

Apr 16, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays opening pitcher Aaron Sanchez (41) against Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2: Ubaldo Jimenez (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Aaron Sanchez (0-2, 6.23 ERA)

It would seem Jimenez has found himself. After starting off his career rather well with the Rockies and then rejuvenating his career with the Indians during his 2013 walk-year, he scuffled last year for the Orioles. That seems to be a thing of the past now. Jimenez has the ability to be overpowering and as the years have gone forward his knowledge has helped back up the stuff that he has. 2011-2014 were not very kind but so far this year he is striking out a batter and inning with a WHIP of 0.469. Oh, and did I mention Jimenez has only surrendered ONE hit in his first 10.1 innings of work in 2015? Not too shabby a way to start it off. This guy could potentially give the Blue Jays bats fits.

Meanwhile, Aaron Sanchez is coming along much the way many young pitchers do. He has bouts of greatness overshadowed by the bumps incurred along the way. There has always been talk of Sanchez having difficulty keeping his mechanics in order and so far that seems to be the case. The WHIP is almost at 2 and he has walked as many as he has struck out so far. With Marco Estrada looking good out of the bullpen the last couple outings (4.1 IP, 2 hits, 5 strike-outs), there has already been whispers of the Jays discussing Sanchez moving to the bullpen. If he doesn’t turn it around shortly, he may be looking at demotion so he can find his feel again.