CHICAGO -- Manager Buck Showalter said Tuesday before the Baltimore Orioles' game against the Chicago White Sox that starter Ubaldo Jimenez is moving to the bullpen.

With right-hander Miguel Gonzalez expected to be recalled soon after throwing a 75-pitch simulated game Monday for Double-A Bowie, the Orioles needed to clear a spot in the rotation for his impending return from the minor leagues.

That spot ended up being Jimenez's, and Showalter said he's leaning toward starting Gonzalez (6-6, 3.80 ERA) on Sunday against the Chicago Cubs.

Gonzalez was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Aug. 9 to make room for Jimenez after his return from the disabled list. But now it's Gonzalez replacing Jimenez in the Baltimore rotation.

Jimenez, 30, has struggled in his first year with the Orioles after signing a four-year, $50 million contract before the season. He's 4-9 with a 4.83 ERA and has walked 66 batters, tops in the American League.