Surprise, Ariz. – With an ice pack strapped to his right shoulder, Jose Acevedo sat in the clubhouse Tuesday, staring at the television, watching the Dominican Republic celebrate its 11-5 win over Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Acevedo’s heart was with his fellow Dominicans, but his head told him he was in the right place: pitching for the Rockies and making a positive impression.
Starting against the Kansas City Royals, he threw two innings, allowing one run on two hits. He struck out three in the second inning with an effective slider and pinpoint fastball.
“It’s so hard for me watching my country playing, but this is an important job for me,” said Acevedo, who turned down late opportunities to join the Dominican team. “I’m in a position right now where I have to take this opportunity to make this team.”
When Acevedo departed Tuesday, the Rockies led 2-1. But they ended up dropping their fourth straight Cactus League game, losing 9-3 when relievers Mike Esposito and Judd Songster were pounded for a combined eight runs and three homers in the eighth.
Acevedo, released from the 40-man roster after an inconsistent 2005 season, is battling to make the club as a possible fifth starter or long reliever. With Sunny Kim pitching for South Korea in the WBC, Acevedo might get a longer look during spring training. However, manager Clint Hurdle had made it clear no one will be penalized for his participation in the WBC.
“If that’s the right decision for Jose, then we’ll work with him and we’ll go with him on it,” Hurdle said. “But who am I to say whether that’s going to give him an edge or take something away from the other guy? This is not about that. He felt, in his heart of hearts, that he needed to be here to make this club. And I honor that.”
Baby steps
Three years ago, right-hander Miguel Asencio was a hot prospect, but multiple elbow surgeries put his career in jeopardy. Tuesday, he took an impressive, albeit tiny, step toward a comeback. He pitched three innings, yielded no runs on three hits and struck out four.
“We want to make sure to get him healthy, and if he gets good and healthy, he’ll find his way back to the big leagues,” Hurdle said.
Footnotes
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba (sore shoulder) will take infield today. If he feels good, he’ll play in his first spring game. There also is a good chance first baseman Ryan Shealy (elbow) will play in the field. He was the designated hitter against the Royals. … Utilityman Jorge Piedra (plantar fasciitis) and outfielder Jeff Salazar (sore elbow) remain on the injured list.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
