TUCSON — The Rockies’ roster contains only a single vacancy, a final bullpen spot that remains open because of the team’s trade pursuit of Tampa Bay’s Jason Hammel and the Cubs’ Chad Gaudin.
With the team expected to name Huston Street the closer today, the final decision centers on the last reliever. Juan Morillo is the favorite to land the spot ahead of Matt Belisle, who can opt out of his contract Friday if he’s not on the 25-man roster.
However, all bets are off if the Rockies can find a match for the 26-year-old Hammel. Tampa is listening to offers because they have Jeff Niemann and David Price to fill the fifth rotation spot. Multiple teams have interest in Hammel.
Gaudin, meanwhile, could be designated for assignment given his $2 million salary, causing his availability to drag into next week.
Ordering the lineup
Manager Clint Hurdle said his lineup will look as follows: Ryan Spilborghs, Seth Smith, Todd Helton, Garrett Atkins, Brad Hawpe, Troy Tulowitzki, Chris Iannetta and Clint Barmes. Hurdle indicated that Dexter Fowler will hit first or second when he plays, while Ian Stewart could slide into the sixth spot during his starts.
Podsednik released
Fowler’s emergence and a crowded Triple-A outfield conspired to end Scott Podsednik’s tenure with the Rockies on Wednesday.
General manager Dan O’Dowd told The Denver Post the veteran outfielder will be released. Podsednik has drawn interest from the Brewers. Though they can opt out of their contracts, Sal Fasano and Josh Fogg are expected to accept Triple-A assignments.
Footnotes
Ubaldo Jimenez will pitch in a minor-league game Thursday rather than face next week’s regular-season opponent Arizona.
… Hurdle on Fowler’s three-hit game Thursday: “He gets from base to base with less effort. I think the last guy I saw do things like that was Larry Walker.”
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
