Citizen Staff Writer
MLB
JOHN MOREDICH
jmoredich@tucsoncitizen.com
Colorado has a logjam for the fifth – and final – starting pitching rotation job.
The Rockies are not short on candidates to fill out the spot. It’s just a matter of somebody stepping forward this spring.
So far, the job appears wide open.
“Things have a way of working themselves out,” Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said. “Guys come and go because of injury or arm fatigue, things like that. We are going to give every man a legitimate opportunity to pitch at the major league level.”
The Rockies are secure with Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Marquis in the 1 through 4 spots in the rotation.
For the fifth spot, Jason Hirsh, Greg Reynolds, Greg Smith, Josh Fogg and Frankin Morales are some of the options.
Morales had the most impressive first week of work. The left-hander faced the minimum six batters in two innings against the Chicago White Sox Thursday, and struck out two.
“I’ve been working on my delivery in winter league and that was a turning point,” said Morales, who 1-2 with a 6.39 ERA a year ago. “I came to spring training with a high level of confidence.”
Hirsh struggled against Chicago, allowing three runs and six hits to the White Sox.
The same is true for Reynolds, who allowed three hits and one run in one inning. Smith gave up three runs and three hits in two innings.
Rockies notes
Sunday: Cleveland Indians 6, Rockies 4
Monday: Los Angeles Angels vs. Rockies (Franklin Morales), 1:10 p.m.
Hitting recap: Sal Fasano hit a two-run homer for Colorado.
Pitching recap: Aaron Cook gave up five runs and seven hits in three innings.