masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgIt took longer to type his last name.

Pitcher Chris Jakubauskas, who cleared waivers last week, has refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk and elected to become a free agent.

Jakubauskas was outrighted previously, which allowed him to refuse the assignment. He also would have qualified as a minor league free agent later this week.

Jakubauskas, 32, was 2-2 with a 5.72 ERA in 33 games (six starts) and 72 1/3 innings for the Orioles this season. He wasn’t invited to spring…It took longer to type his last name.

Pitcher Chris Jakubauskas, who cleared waivers last week, has refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk and elected to become a free agent.

Jakubauskas was outrighted previously, which allowed him to refuse the assignment. He also would have qualified as a minor league free agent later this week.

Jakubauskas, 32, was 2-2 with a 5.72 ERA in 33 games (six starts) and 72 1/3 innings for the Orioles this season. He wasn’t invited to spring training after signing a minor league deal, but he got some work in exhibition games and made a nice impression on manager Buck Showalter, who often praised him while meeting with reporters.

I exchanged text messages today with Jakubauskas, who said he’d like to reach a deal with the Orioles and remain in the organization. He’s not bitter about being outrighted, though the decision came as a surprise. He’s just keeping his options open and will gauge interest from other clubs.

Catcher/infielder Jake Fox also is expected to refuse his outright assignment and become a free agent.