The Rockies dramatically increased his workload the following season, as Jimenez made the jump to the Class-A South Atlantic League.
In 153.2 innings for Ashville, Jimenez posted a solid 10-6 record and 3.46 ERA to go along with 138 strikeouts. He managed to get his feet wet in the California League after a late season promotion and failed to yield a single run, while fanning seven batters in five innings pitched.
Back in the California League to start the 2004 season, Jimenez was poised for a breakout year, and through his first six starts, he was 4-0 with a 1.50 ERA and had fanned 53 batters in 36 innings.
Unfortunately, he was pulled after just 3 innings during a May 18 start vs. Stockton due to a right shoulder strain, an injury that would essentially end his season.
Ubaldo was placed on the disabled list May 25 due to a scapular stress reaction in his right shoulder and although he tried to make a comeback late in the year, getting a start on Aug. 1 vs. San Jose, he was removed after two pitches because of discomfort in the shoulder
He finished the season going 4-1 with a 2.23 ERA in nine starts for Visalia, allowing 29 hits and 12 walks in 44.1 innings with 61 strikeouts.
Through some hard work and determination, Jimenez make enough progress with his rehab at the Rockies' winter development program that he was named to the 40-man roster. However, struggles in 2005 Spring Training forced Colorado to send Jimenez back to the California League where he found some of the technique he had lost due to his inactivity.
In 14 starts, he finished 5-3 with a 3.98 earned-run average, winning his final two games while allowing five hits and two runs in 14 innings with 4 walks and 17 strikeouts.
His performance was strong enough to warrant a promotion to Double-A Tulsa, where his current career track can be described as inconsistent at best.
While his strikeout (40) to walk (23) ratio remains respectable, in nine starts for the Drillers, Jimenez has posted a 2-4 record with a gaudy 5.29 ERA.
Still, at the age of 21, Ubaldo still has time on his side, and his struggles in Double-A could be perceived as a mere bump in the road that most young pitchers have to endure.
We think Jimenez will be back in the minors next season, probably with the Triple-A Sky Sox. He might have some look time in 2006. We see him making the major league club full-time in 2007.
