Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (8/30)

LH JOSE JIMENEZ was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Seattle Mariners in July, 2003 out of Venezuela.

DOWN IN VENEZUELA: Jimenez spent four seasons pitching for Seattle’s Venezuelan Summer League affiliate in Aguirre. He compiled a career record of 7-7 in 80 games (six starts) with 109 strikeouts and 71 walks over 125-1/3 innings pitched and an ERA of 2.80.

RECOGNITION: Last year, Jimenez was 1-1 with 15 saves and an ERA of 1.57 in 28 games with 23 strikeouts and 12 walks in 28 innings pitched. He was named Aguirre’s Most Valuable Pitcher by the Mariners.

INSTRUCTION: Jimenez took part in the 2007 Mariner Instructional League.

LIVING OUT OF THE SUITCASE: Jimenez began his 2008 season with the Pulaski Mariners on June 19 and made a pair of starts for Seattle’s Appalachian League affiliate. He was transferred to High Desert in early July and made five appearances (four starts) for the California League affiliate of the Mariners. He was sent back to Pulaski in late July and made a relief appearance for them on July 28. Jimenez was transferred to the Timber Rattlers after that appearance.

LAST WIN: Jimenez got the victory as a starter for the High Desert Mavericks on July 1 in a game against the Lancaster JetHawks. This was the California League debut for Jimenez. He allowed to runs on five hits over 5-1/3 innings with one walk and five strikeouts.

LAST START: Jimenez made his first start with the Timber Rattlers on August 25 against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. He allowed two runs on five hits over four innings. Jimenez walked one and struck out two in a no decision against the Kernels.

VS. QUAD CITIES: Tonight is the first time Jimenez is facing the River Bandits.

VS. CARDINALS: Jimenez faced the St. Louis affiliate in the Venezuelan Summer League three times last season. In those three relief appearances, Jimenez picked up a save in each one. He allowed no runs on one hit over three innings. Jimenez did not walk a batter, hit two, and struck out three.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHS
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.2 (vs. Rancho Cucamonga 7/8/08)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (@Princeton 6/19/08)