PHOENIX — Matt Daley joined the Rockies today after catching a 6 a.m. flight from Reno. Jason Hammel, meanwhile, caught a break. He wanted to start and will get the chance, joining the rotation Monday.
The Rockies will place Franklin Morales on the disabled list today to clear a roster spot for Daley. Morales strained his left lat muscle in his shoulder and will be examined by the team doctor Thursday. He’s likely out for a month when you consider the rest and subsequent rehab assignment.
Daley will be an early reliever in the bullpen after posting a 1.13 ERA in eight Triple-A appearances, He credited improved command and the tutelage of the veteran catchers – Sal Fasano, Paul Phillips and Edwin Bellorin – for accelerating his growth.
Daley’s delivery has compared to Doyle Alexander’s. Or for the kids, his pitching motion looks a little like Jeff Bagwell’s hitting stance.
“People always want to say what he can’t do. He’s not a scout’s dream, but all he does is get outs,” manager Clint Hurdle said.
Hammel was stretched out in spring training, so he should easily be good for 70 pitches.
The Rockies are looking to win their first series since the opening week of the season. The lineup is tweaked a bit against right-hander Dan Haren, including a rare start by Seth Smith.
Rockies
CF Ryan Spilborghs
2B Jeff Baker
1B Todd Helton
3B Garrett Atkins
RF Brad Hawpe
SS Troy Tulowitzki
C Chris Iannetta
LF Seth Smith
LHP Jorge De La Rosa
Diamondbacks (who haven’t won a series this season)
2B Felipe Lopez
SS Stephen Drew (first start of series because of a leg injury)
LF Conor Jackson
3B Mark Reynolds
1B Chad Tracy
CF Chris Young
RF Eric Byrnes
C Chris Snyder
RHP Dan Haren
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
