SAN FRANCISCO — The mysterious case of Franklin Morales may have another chapter.
The last time the Rockies were in San Francisco, the mercurial left-hander was shipped to Triple-A Colorado Springs to correct his mechanics. He won his 10th game Tuesday for the Sky Sox, leaving him in the discussion for a promotion Monday when rosters expand to 40.
It comes with a twist. Manager Clint Hurdle said Morales would be considered both as a reliever and a starter, even though his command issues (81 walks in 108 1/3 innings) hint at problems in a bullpen role.
“Sometimes things work that don’t make sense,” Hurdle said. “You want to make sure and exhaust all options, and I would rather put him in the bullpen and let him show me he can’t do it than to just say he can’t. We are still working through discussions on (call-ups) on a lot of guys. But he’s always going to be interesting with that dynamic left arm.”
Morales started and relieved during the playoffs last season. He has shown incremental improvement over the last two months, even though his velocity has been inconsistent.
Fuentes update.
There is a possibility closer Brian Fuentes will rejoin the Rockies in San Diego during their weekend series.
He was placed on the bereavement list Tuesday to tend to a family matter and would be eligible to be activated Friday. Fuentes, who has converted 13 consecutive save opportunities, was placed on waivers Monday so the team could explore his trade value.
His waiver period would have expired Wednesday but was halted when he went on the bereavement list. So his waiver status won’t be resolved until he returns to the active roster.
While a number of teams are expected to claim Fuentes — the Dodgers would have first dibs if noncontenders pass — the Rockies are not expected to deal the closer, given their high demands and their surge back into the playoff race.
Manuel Corpas will close in Fuentes’ absence.
Footnotes.
Reliever Matt Herges has found the pain caused by a bulging disc more manageable. He will begin a rehab assignment tonight in Triple-A. . . . Taylor Buchholz, dealing with an undisclosed injury the past few days, was available Wednesday. . . . Jorge De La Rosa said his command returned Tuesday after he stopped overstriding.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
