Percolating trades and lingering pain could create a roster shuffle when the Rockies return from the all-star break for Thursday’s full-squad workout at Coors Field.
The Rockies continue working on a trade that would send Preston Wilson to the Washington Nationals for pitcher Zach Day and also are revisiting talks with the Oakland A’s regarding demoted starter Joe Kennedy.
There’s also a strong possibility outfielder Brad Hawpe will land on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring. Hawpe, who leads National League rookies with 39 RBIs, suffered the injury sliding into second base Saturday.
“It’s going all right. I will find out more Thursday about the severity, and what they are going to do,” Hawpe said Tuesday.
For Wilson to land in Washington, financial hurdles must be cleared. The center fielder must be comfortable deferring money that would allow him to break even on his contract. The Nationals also must receive approval from Major League Baseball to absorb $2.25 million of Wilson’s remaining salary.
Wilson is not deterred by the Nationals’ pitcher-friendly ballpark or playing back east. He has former teammates there, including Livan Hernandez and Vinny Castilla.
“When you are winning, there’s not much to say,” Wilson said. “That usually means it’s a good situation.”
Kennedy, 4-8 with a 7.04 ERA, has been shifted to the bullpen, a role he will begin Friday at Cincinnati, if he’s not traded before then. The A’s were close to acquiring Kennedy in June, but balked at the multiple prospects the Rockies wanted in return.
With all-star closer Brian Fuentes confirming he was told by management that he’s off-limits to suitors, Kennedy’s stock could rise as a left-handed setup man, though Oakland likely would want him to start.
Trading Kennedy makes sense if the deal with Wilson and Washington goes through. The Rockies would land a starter in Day, who is making $357,500 this year and will be arbitration-eligible for the first time next season, putting him in line to earn $1.6 million.
Day, close to coming off the disabled list, fits the profile of successful Rockies pitchers, relying on sliders and sinkers.
Cook moves up
Even without Day, the Rockies soon will add an extra starter in Aaron Cook, out since August after surgery to remove blood clots in his lungs. He is scheduled to start for Colorado Springs on Friday in his initial Triple-A rehab assignment, leaving him on pace to join the Rockies the first week of August.
Jose Acevedo (strained groin) makes his third rehab start Thursday. He is increasing his pitch count to be available as a starter or reliever. The Rockies want to have depth if teams overwhelm them with offers for veteran relievers Jay Witasick or Dan Miceli.
Footnotes
Demoted relievers Matt Anderson and David Cortes have joined the Sky Sox. … A Prader-Willi Syndrome Association charity golf tournament featuring Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, whose daughter Madison suffers from the genetic disorder, will be played Aug. 22 at Highlands Ranch Golf Club. For more information, go to www.PWSA.golfreg.com.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
