After 30 consecutive days in last place, the Rockies made the first of possibly several roster maneuvers Saturday. Struggling reserve John Mabry was designated for assignment, replaced by Ryan Spilborghs.
Mabry went 1-for-21 as a pinch hitter, prompting the change. The Rockies, who have asked Mabry to accept an option to Triple-A Colorado Springs, are responsible for the remainder of his $750,000 contract.
Mabry, however, is a pebble in the offensive dust bowl. With ownership not happy about eating money and disappointed by losing, there could be more significant changes if the team doesn’t gain traction.
“John obviously is not the reason this club is struggling. You try to be as patient as you can be, but at some point in time if guys don’t produce you can’t be afraid to do something if there’s a way to improve,” Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “It would be more internal than external.”
The Angels have called about Garrett Atkins, but the Rockies aren’t interested in trading him or pursuing a move that drastic. And Houston is telling teams that infielder Chris Burke, long a Rockies favorite, is not available.
Besides, second baseman Kaz Matsui, who played in Colorado Springs on Saturday, is scheduled to rejoin the Rockies on Monday or Tuesday, leaving another bench player on the bubble.
Reliever LaTroy Hawkins will come back Tuesday, with Rodrigo Lopez penciled in to start May 29, the same day Jason Jennings rejoins the Astros’ rotation.
That doesn’t answer the question of where to get more offense. O’Dowd admitted he doesn’t want to consider optioning out regulars, but he wouldn’t rule it out.
“The offense has been perplexing,” O’Dowd said. “I think they are all trying to do too much. We have 120 games left. Hopefully we can get this going because we have put ourselves in an awful position.”
Footnotes
Todd Helton was disappointed to see Mabry go. “It’s always the pinch hitter’s fault,” Helton said. “It’s been like that since baseball began. Everybody thinks that’s going to make a difference and it rarely does.” … Spilborghs hit .323 for the Sky Sox and is prepared for a bench role. “It’s not like I am going to be caught off guard coming in the seventh inning to hit,” he said. … Royals manager Buddy Bell, on former Lamar High School star Scott Elarton: “His fastball looks as good as I’ve seen it.” … Rockies reliever Jeremy Affeldt is rooting for good friend Mike Sweeney to reach the postseason before he retires. “I hope he gets a chance to be on a contender,” Affeldt said.
