SAN DIEGO — If the Rockies are going to save this season, they need their closer. And reinforcements from their minor-league roster.
Brian Fuentes rejoined the team today for the beginning of a three-game series with the last-place San Diego Padres. Fuentes was placed on the bereavement list Tuesday to tend to a personal matter. Tonight was the earliest he could return based on league policy.
Steven Register was no longer listed on the lineup card, and was expected to be optioned out to Triple-A Colorado Springs for their final weekend.
Fuentes has been a dominating force in the bullpen over the past two months, converting 13 consecutive opportunities since July 3. His ERA during that stretch is 0.87.
The Rockies have also begun quietly tweaking their roster to make room on the Sept. 1 call-ups. An inspection of their official 40-man roster on the team website today revealed that Cory Sullivan has been removed. That would likely open up a spot for Olympian Dexter Fowler.
Ryan Spilborghs, showing no problems with his strained left oblique during a rehab assignment, will be activated Monday. Reliever Matt Herges is expected back then as well.
Signs are pointing toward reliever Casey Weathers not joining the team, but rather participating in the Fall League.
Weathers, a former No. 1 pick, has been a star in Double-A Tulsa this season and figures to begin next spring as a strong candidate to make Colorado’s bullpen.
Others under consideration that haven’t been previously mentioned include infielders Jon Herrera and Christian Colonel.
A look at tonight’s lineups:
Rockies (63-72, six games back)
2B Clint Barmes.287
CF Willy Taveras.259
LF Matt Holliday.340
RF Brad Hawpe.294
1B Garrett Atkins.293
3B Ian Stewart.311
C Chris Iannetta.275
SS Troy Tulowitzki.241
RHP Aaron Cook (15-8, 3.91)
Padres (51-82, 17 games back)
RF Brian Giles.300
SS Luis Rodriguez.261
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff.273
1B Adrian Gonzalez.280
LF Chase Headley.267
CF Will Venable.000
C Nick Hundley.229
2B Tadahito Iguchi.235
RHP Dirk Hayhurst(0-0, 6.75)
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
