Armed with 19 pitchers, manager Clint Hurdle decided to go with a bullpen day Wednesday, starting long-reliever Denny Bautista.
Bautista worked as a middle-reliever with Triple-A Colorado Springs for much of the season while trying to find his delivery. He was called up in April, then dropped soon after. He was brought back for a second time when rosters expanded earlier this month.
Hurdle said he’s only looking for 40 pitches from Bautista, hoping that gets him through two innings.
At that point, the team would bridge together Mark Redman or Taylor Buchholz. Redman was a candidate to start, but Hurdle didn’t want to run three consecutive left-handed pitchers against the Phillies because they have hit lefties better this season.
The opening was created after Elmer Dessens suffered a left hamstring injury Friday. The Rockies are hoping Dessens can start the second game of Tuesday’s double-header against the Dodgers at Coors Field. Jeff Francis is scheduled for the first game.
