TUCSON — Following their last spring game in Tucson, the Rockies set their regular season pitching rotation today, with Mark Redman named the starter for the home opener April 4 against Arizona.
Jeff Francis will open the season at St. Louis on Monday, followed by Aaron Cook on Wednesday and Ubaldo Jimenez on Thursday. Redman will then go against the Diamondbacks at Coors Field with Francis pitching the Saturday game on regular rest. Franklin Morales will make his season debut as the fifth starter on Sunday.
Manager Clint Hurdle indicated that he wanted Redman to start the home opener in part because of his experience and also to split up the hard-throwing Jimenez and Morales as the season progresses. As it stands, the speedy Jimenez will be followed by the finesse-pitching Redman.
“The ability to split up the two young hurlers with the guy who’s had a large volume of innings is important,” Hurdle said. “It could be less taxing on the bullpen.
“We can be on the gas, off the gas then back on,” Hurdle said.
With Ramon Ramirez traded to the Royals earlier in the day, left-handed Micah Bowie remains a strong favorite to land the last remaining bullpen spot over Ryan Speier.
…The Rockies also plan to place reliever Jose Capellan and starter Josh Towers on waivers. If they are not claimed by Friday, the team will send them to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
…While Scott Podsednik appears to have a slight edge over Cory Sullivan for the fifth outfielders spot, the decision has still not been made.
… The Rockies gave second baseman Marcus Giles his unconditional release, meaning he’s free to sign with any team that wants him.
… And the Rockies optioned four players — outfielder Seth Smith, infielders Omar Quintanilla and Ian Stewart and catcher Humberto Cota — to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
