Night moves: Ubaldo Jimenez returns from the disabled list

Apr 19, 2011

Night moves: Ubaldo Jimenez returns from the disabled list

03:50 PM

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The National League's best team gets its best pitcher back from the disabled list tonight.

Ubaldo Jimenez, who started for the Colorado Rockies on opening day but went on the DL immediately afterwards with a cut on the cuticle of his right thumb, will take the mound at Coors Field against the San Francisco Giants.

Jimenez won a career-high 19 games last season for the Rockies, but was ineffective in his first start of this season -- allowing six runs (five earned) and seven hits against the Diamondbacks. His command and velocity were noticeably affected by the thumb problem, prompting the DL stint.

Thanks largely to a high-octane offense fueled by young stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, the Rockies have managed to survive fairly well without their ace. Their 12-4 record has them three games ahead of the Giants in the NL West standings and 1 1/2 games better than the Philadelphia Phillies for the league's best record.

Jimenez will be opposed by Giants left-hander Jonathan Sanchez in a matchup of pitchers who've both thrown no-hitters in their careers. Jimenez no-hit the Atlanta Braves last April; Sanchez pitched his in July 2009 against the San Diego Padres.

Speaking of no-hitters, Florida's Josh Johnson came close to one in his last start before Braves rookie Freddie Freeman broke it up with one out in the eighth inning. Johnson also no-hit the New York Mets for the first six innings on opening day. He's 2-0 with a 1.35 heading into tonight's home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In the American League, the lineups are out for tonight's Yankees-Blue Jays game in Toronto and once again, Alex Rodriguez's name is not in it. A-Rod is still dealing with some soreness in his side and back. He hasn't played since leaving Saturday's game early. However, Eric Chavez has filled in nicely at third base.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have activated reliever Frank Francisco from the disabled list. The Jays acquired Francisco from Texas in the offseason with the idea to make him their closer. He'll likely be eased into that role since Jon Rauch has gone 3-for-3 in save chances as the temporary closer.

See photos of: Alex Rodriguez, Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Johnson

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