Report: Pitcher Jair Jurrjens' knee holding up deal with Orioles

The Orioles have yet to officially announce a deal with pitcher Jair Jurrjens due to concerns about his right knee, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun.

Jurrjens' knee has been an issue for some time. He started having trouble near the end of the 2011 season and it still wasn't healed by the start of 2012. It may have contributed to his struggles last season. Jurrjens, 27, had a 6.89 ERA and a 5.64 FIP in 48 1/3 innings with the Braves last year. He also struggled in Triple-A, where he had a 4.98 ERA in 72 1/3 innings.

Jurrjens and the Orioles agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract in late-January but are having a hard time finalizing things due to his physical.

Encina reported the deal “doesn't seem like it's heading in a positive direction.” When healthy, Jurrjens has proven to be an effective pitcher and would strengthen the Orioles' rotation. But after last season's issues, the O's have a right to be concerned moving forward.