The Baltimore Orioles reached a one-year agreement with free
agent Jair Jurrjens earlier this offseason, but that deal is at risk of falling
through due to health concerns surrounding the right-hander’s knee, reports
Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun.
Right-hander Jair Jurrjens could be on that list, too. As of Thursday evening, the Orioles were still receiving medical evaluations on Jurrjens, according to one team source. At this point and pace, we’re not sure he will be in an Orioles uniform.
Encina notes that the vetting of Jurrjens’ physical has
become a week-long process, adding “it doesn’t seem like it’s heading in a
positive direction.”
Baltimore has long had concerns about Jurrjens’ health,
especially the strength of his right knee. The team was considering trading for
the right-hander last offseason, and there were injury concerns even before his
tumultuous 2012 campaign.
At this point, the Orioles have a projected starting four
that includes Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Chris Tillman and Miguel Gonzalez.
Jurrjens’ $1.5 million base salary would have seemed to make him a candidate
for the final spot, but if his agreement isn’t completed the O’s may have to
turn to younger options, including Zach Britton, Steve Johnson, Jake Arrieta or
Brian Matusz to open the season.
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