Opportunity was the reverberating theme Saturday with the Rockies’ catching position.
Yorvit Torrealba will miss the remainder of the season with a strain in his right shoulder, injured while slipping on a throw between innings Thursday. Chris Iannetta and JD Closser will share the role in his absence, which allows the slumping Iannetta to become more comfortable offensively.
Finally healthy after missing the first two months with a strained front shoulder, Torrealba couldn’t hide his frustration.
“It’s really disappointing,” said Torrealba, who hit .247 with seven home runs and 43 RBIs in 65 games and figures to only DH in winter ball. “I just have to get better and win my starting job back in spring training.”
The rotation also received a minor adjustment, with more significant changes possible after this month’s organizational meetings. Denny Bautista will start Tuesday, followed by the regular five members. Spot starts for Bautista and Justin Hampson also will be considered for games Sept. 18 and 26 and the season finale.
With only Jason Jennings, Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis fixtures for next season, the club has held preliminary conversations about converting Jeremy Affeldt back into a starter next spring.
FOOTNOTES: Jeff Salazar and Ryan Spilborghs have tentative plans to play winter ball in Mexico. … Jennings triggered a $50,000 bonus by eclipsing 190 innings. … Reliever Jose Mesa said he would like to return next season, but the club is undecided on whether to pick up his $3 million option or exercise a $515,000 buyout.
