Rockies’ starter Aaron Cook will be placed on the disabled list tomorrow, replaced in his start by Elmer Dessens.
The last thing the Rockies needed was another ache and pain, but Cook walked through the clubhouse Tuesday with a wrap around his rib cage, icing a sore left oblique hurt during the last inning of his last start. He said he felt fine after throwing a side session. But both Dessens and reliever Ramon Ramirez were summoned from Triple-A Colorado Springs today, reinforcements for a pitching staff that has seen its bullpen overworked in the past two games following 10-out performances by Tim Harikkala and Jeff Francis.
“Aaron just wasn’t able to do what we needed him to do to make the start,” said manager Clint Hurdle, who is uncertain when Cook might return.
Dessens was scratched from the first game of a doubleheader today in Colorado Springs. He threw three scoreless innings last Friday after signing a minor-league contract. He will make the major-league minimum when he officially joins the Rockies tomorrow. The Rockies still have not determined who will start Saturday, though Hurdle said it will not be newly acquired Ramon Ortiz since he has not been in a rotation for three months. Triple-A prospect Franklin Morales remains the favorite to start Saturday in Los Angeles.
One roster spot will be will cleared with center fielder Willy Taveras going on the disabled list. It’s uncertain what the corresponding move will be to add a second player. The Sky Sox didn’t receive any Rockies’ players today, getting two pitchers from Double-A, Judd Songster and Juan Morillo.
Ramirez has been unable to recapture the performance that made him Colorado’s best rookie last season. The right-hander has been sent down on two different occasions, last week going to Colorado Springs to make room for Ryan Speier.
Ramirez is 2-2 with an 8.82 ERA in 21 games. Dessens was 1-1 with a 6.60 ERA with the Brewers before they designated him for assignment.
Staff Writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
