The Orioles jettisoned struggling right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez to the bullpen last week, giving his spot in the rotation to Alec Asher, hoping the relative newcomer would be able to provide the floundering Orioles with more innings.
But fitting with the way mostly everything has backfired during their three days here in Texas, Asher lasted just two innings after being staked with an early three-run lead and left the game after a six-run second, replaced by Jimenez.
While this core group of veterans has faced its share of obstacles over the past five years, the Orioles reached uncharted territory after their 8-4 loss to the front-running Houston Astros, completing a three-game sweep of the O’s at Minute Maid Park.