In assessing the face of his roster last week, general manager Dan O’Dowd talked about his desire to make a few final nips and tucks.
The cosmetic changes continued today, with the Rockies acquiring Oakland outfielder Matt Murton in exchange for minor-league speedster Corey Wimberly.
Murton, 27, will compete for a reserve outfield spot in spring training. His arrival leaves the Rockies’ roster full at 40. While never finding a niche with the Cubs and Oakland, Murton has been successful in limited opportunities. He’s a career .288 hitter with 28 home runs and 106 RBIS in 317 games.
He was shipped to Oakland last year as part of the Rich Harden trade.
Wimberly’s talent was intriguing, but the Rockies dealt from what they believed was a position of depth. Despite leading Double-A with 58 stolen bases last season, the 25-year-old Wimberly faced a squeeze in making the Rockies going forward given the presence of Eric Young Jr., who could be a second baseman or utilityman, and Chris Nelson.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
