The Baltimore Orioles have demoted designated hitter Eloy Jiménez to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Ryan Mountcastle, who injured his wrist during a game on Aug. 22.
They also fired reliever Craig Kimbrel, who was designated for new assignment last Wednesday.
Jiménez played just 33 games in Baltimore after being acquired from the Chicago White Sox on July 30. He struggled with the Orioles, hitting .232 with one home run and seven RBIs while striking out 23 batters in 95 plate appearances.
Jiménez has dealt with injuries throughout his six-season MLB career, including a left adductor strain and a left hamstring strain this season. The 2023 season, in which he batted .272 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI, was the only period outside of his rookie year in which he played in at least 100 games.
Since his 122nd appearance in 2019, Jiménez has played 55, 55, 84, 120 and 98 games in each subsequent season, respectively.
According to Danielle Allentuck of the Baltimore Banner, the Orioles needed Jiménez’s approval to send him to the minors because he had more than five years of service time. His contract includes a $16.5 million team option for 2025, as well as a $3 million buyout.
Mountcastle has a .265 batting average with 13 home runs and 61 RBI in 118 games this season.
The Orioles begin a crucial three-game series against the Yankees in New York on Tuesday night.
