PHOENIX — Franklin Morales maintained his slight edge Thursday for the fifth starter’s spot — a role that might not exist when the Rockies break camp.
With three off-days in the season’s first 10 days, manager Clint Hurdle said he could go with four starters and an extra long reliever, a decision that will be discussed Sunday. Carrying an extra bench player is not under consideration.
“We have never had to break with five starters. Are we better served adding another arm to the bullpen?” Hurdle said. “I think we need to be more pitching-focused than having an extra pinch-hitter. You would need to have multiple guys that could pitch multiple innings.”
Having an extra reliever would directly benefit Josh Fogg or Matt Belisle, both of whom appear to be trailing Juan Morillo for the seventh and final bullpen spot. Neither pitched well against minor leaguers Wednesday, and Hurdle admitted that the window is narrowing for guys to make impressions. He wants to begin running out his regular lineup by next week, and start finalizing roles.
“We are starting to put a premium on guys who are making pitches, competing better, and more sharp than others,” Hurdle said.
Final spot.
Morales and Greg Smith are the remaining candidates for the final rotation spot, even if they are asked to open in Triple-A. Morales — with a 4.50 ERA in 18 innings — survived traffic on the bases Thursday with a good changeup.
“I feel confident and relaxed in those situations,” he said.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
