Washington – Rockies pitcher Josh Fogg entered Tuesday’s game with his roster spot hanging in the balance. He left with an impressive win – and a limp.
Fogg was favoring his left leg Wednesday when he walked out to batting practice, an injury that could jeopardize his start Sunday at St. Louis.
Fogg said he aggravated his left Achilles tendon, though the Rockies will monitor his entire leg strength before clearing him to pitch again.
“The Achilles thing has been there all year. I usually don’t throw that many pitches,” said Fogg, whose 97 pitches represented his second-highest total of the season. “I don’t think it should keep me out.”
Fogg has operated on a short leash, constantly challenged to secure the rotation’s fifth slot. He fended off repeated challenges by Sun-Woo Kim, who was banished to Triple-A and will rejoin the Colorado Springs Sky Sox rotation after rebuilding arm strength.
As for a potential replacement, Sky Sox ace Miguel Asencio remains on the Rockies’ radar. He was considered for a promotion after Fogg couldn’t escape the fifth inning last week, despite being staked to a 9-2 lead against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Asencio made a spot start for the Rockies on April 25 at Philadelphia, surrendering two earned runs in 3 2/3 innings.
“He’s got a chance to be an effective fourth or fifth starter in this league,” said Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who played with the Sky Sox during a rehab assignment. “He just has to get more consistent.”
Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez is starting to quicken pulses and could be a factor at the major-league level before the season is over. On the same fast track as Jeff Francis before injuring his shoulder in 2004, Jimenez is 7-2 with a 2.89 ERA for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers.
For now, Fogg (4-4, 4.91 ERA) will attempt to recover quickly. The next few days will be critical; the Rockies have a history of requiring a pitcher to throw a bullpen session before making any start.
Flashback for Jennings
Jason Jennings, today’s starter, resisted the temptation to kick second base at RFK Stadium, but the thought crossed his mind. Jennings’ 2005 season ended July 20 after he broke his right middle finger sliding to break up a double play there.
“I had a flashback,” Jennings said.
But he has never had a replay. In an odd occurrence, Jennings hasn’t slid once since he was hurt. He has been on the bases for a few double plays, but they happened so fast, no slide was necessary.
“It’s weird since it’s been almost a year,” Jennings said. “But I will hold my batting gloves in my hands to make sure an injury like that never happens again.”
Footnotes
Right fielder Brad Hawpe has focused on slowing his approach and hitting to all fields in an effort to snap out of a funk. He had batted just .213 over his past 18 games before singling in the third inning Wednesday. … Suspended reliever Jose Mesa watched Wednesday’s game from the Rockies’ hotel. “It’s easier that way. I won’t get as anxious to get out there. I told Ramon (Ramirez) he had to step up and be the man.”
Rockies recap
This is what we know about Tom Martin. He recently shaved off his mustache to change his luck. He nearly retired last season. And his wife still thinks it’s cool when he gets his name in the paper. Martin usually is lost on the island of agate type, but he’s worthy of a headline after stopping the insanity Wednesday night. With the game spinning out of control, Martin stranded two inherited runners and finished with three scoreless innings, tying the longest outing of his career, last accomplished in 2001 against the Rockies. “At this point, I have to take advantage of every opportunity,” Martin said.
HOME RUN DERBY: After going 663 at-bats between home runs, Jamey Carroll delivered three, including one in Wednesday’s wild game, in his next 75 at-bats.
CRAWFORD WATCH: Two obstacles exist for the Rockies in any pursuit of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ Carl Crawford. He has been more comfortable as a left fielder and has shown reluctance to move to center, where the Rockies have a need. And the Devil Rays have made it clear they must be overwhelmed to even consider a deal.
