His exit was unmistakable, marked by a visit with the clubhouse manager and congratulatory handshakes from teammates. Outfielder Michael Restovich was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday.
“It sounds like there’s going to be an opportunity,” said Restovich, making plans to get his bags shipped out. “I will do whatever to help the team.”
The Rockies are believed to have acquired a player to be named later. Pittsburgh has had interest in Restovich for weeks, but were unwilling to consider a deal. The sense of urgency changed when slugger Craig Wilson was lost for two months earlier this week because of surgery on a finger on his left hand.
The Rockies also claimed right-handed pitcher Blaine Neal from the Red Sox and he will join the major league team. Left-handed pitcher Randy Williams, also claimed, will be optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs. To make room on the 40-man roster, they shifted Aaron Cook to the 60-day disabled list.
Making Restovich’s transition easier is that he knows Pirates third base coach John Russell from their days together in the Twins organization and he played for Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon in the fall league.
“I hope this is where I stick,” said Restovich, a victim of a roster crunch when an extra reliever was added despite hitting .290 with one home run in 31 at-bats with the Rockies. “It’s all going to depend on a lot of factors, mainly how well I play.”
Added teammate Dustan Mohr, a close friend of Restovich’s, “There was no doubt in my mind that somebody would pick him up. He can play.”
