Ryan Shealy’s contribution to the Rockies’ playoff push will be in another uniform. In their quest to beef up the bullpen, the Rockies shipped their backup first baseman and right-handed reliever Scott Dohmann to Kansas City for left-handed reliever Jeremy Affeldt and right-handed reliever Denny Bautista this afternoon.
Shealy, who will turn 27 on Aug. 29, is considered a potential major-league impact bat, but his path is blocked by Todd Helton. Shealy has hit 41 home runs in Triple-A over the past two seasons, and was called up to the Rockies during the last road trip to provide more offense off the bench.
His playing time has been scarce. He has started only one game, and has only nine at-bats.
The Rockies made it clear that they would only move Shealy for the right deal – which meant receiving multiple players in return.
Because of the terrific starting pitching, the Rockies switched to a six-man bullpen two weeks ago. It’s uncertain how Colorado would make room for Affeldt and Bautista, if they go back to seven relievers or ship out some of their relief pitchers. Affeldt is 4-6 with a 5.91 ERA, but has gone 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA as a reliever in 18 games.
“I’m going to a place that is a good fit for me,” said Affeldt. “But it’s going to be different because I’ve worn (the Royals) uniform for the last 10 years.”
Shealy could play either at first base or be used as a DH in Kansas City. Both Shealy and Dohmann will join the Royals as soon as tonight.
