The Rockies’ roster underwent a nip-and-tuck Thursday, leaving one imperfection needing correction: a Sunday starter.
Manager Clint Hurdle eliminated reliever Taylor Buchholz and Triple-A phenom Franklin Morales from consideration as Jason Hirsh’s replacement. Buchholz performs better as a reliever and Morales, who is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in Colorado Springs, would be working on short rest.
With the Rockies taking a pass on the released David Wells, that leaves Sky Sox starter Tim Harikkala as an option, even if he’s keeping the seat warm for Morales. The club is expected to sign Elmer Dessens to a minor-league contract today, though he wouldn’t be available Sunday.
Harikkala recently joined the Sky Sox and is 1-0 with an 0.84 ERA, including six shutout innings Tuesday. He spent the bulk of the past three seasons in Korea after serving as an effective reliever for the Rockies in 2004.
Hirsh went on the disabled list Thursday with a broken right fibula. He will play catch today, but realistically is hoping to return for the final two weeks of the season. His teammates presented him with a faux Purple Heart, hung by his locker, after he pitched six innings with the fracture.
“They didn’t know it was broken when they gave it to me. When they found out, then they felt I really earned it,” Hirsh said. “I thought I had good karma going. I don’t know what happened.”
With Hirsh’s spot uncertain, the Rockies ironed out other roster wrinkles. Catcher Geronimo Gil arrived from Mexico City, and after a quick workout before batting practice, was activated, replacing Alvin Colina. Gil, who went to spring training with the Rockies, will serve as Yorvit Torrealba’s backup.
“It’s a big advantage that I know these pitchers,” said Gil, who will make a prorated $500,000 salary. “My Mexico City owner was great in letting me take this opportunity.”
Utilityman Clint Barmes took Hirsh’s roster spot, with the possibility lingering that the Rockies will go with 11 pitchers even when a starter is added Sunday. Barmes provides Hurdle more flexibility in how he uses Jamey Carroll and Kazuo Matsui. “I will be ready to play wherever they might need me,” Barmes said. “Infield, outfield, whatever they want.”
Footnotes
Center fielder Willy Taveras ran sprints Thursday, testing his sore right quad. He was available as a pinch hitter and believes he will be ready to start this weekend. … Todd Helton sat out as a precaution after suffering back spasms Wednesday. … The Rockies catch a break, missing Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano in this series. … The Rockies-Los Angeles Dodgers game that was postponed on July 27 will be made up in a split doubleheader Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Coors Field.
