Given Aaron Cook’s injury and Elmer Dessens’ latest rough outing, the Rockies attempted to add free-agent pitcher Brett Tomko to bolster their pitching staff. However, Tomko, who was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers, has elected to sign with the San Diego Padres, according to his agent.
“Brett has always liked Denver. He likes their pitching coach (Bob Apodaca) and respects (manager) Clint Hurdle,” agent Joe Longo said. “But San Diego is in his backyard.”
Tomko previously pitched for the Padres and lives about 10 minutes from Petco Park, which made staying home appealing. Also, San Diego is expected to let him start, something the Rockies couldn’t promise.
Colorado needs a spot starter for next Tuesday in Philadelphia, and could elect to have a bullpen day with several pitchers working.
The Rockies’ interest in Tomko increased after Cook was lost for the regular season with a left ribcage injury. Hurdle indicated on Monday that the team was examining the waiver wire for options. A decision could be made today as to whether Dessens stays in the rotation and who will go next Tuesday.
Tomko won’t be eligible for a postseason roster because he’s joining a team after the Aug. 31 deadline. But he could help stabilize a San Diego rotation that has dealt with an injury to Chris Young and ineffective outings from its fifth starter.
In an odd twist, Tomko will essentially replace David Wells, the man who took his roster spot in Los Angeles.
