Former and now future starter Jason Hammel is back on center stage tonight when the Rockies open a three-game series against the Padres.
For the first time in nearly a year, he’ll go to the ballpark knowing he’ll pitch the first inning.
“They brought me over here for a reason, and I’m ready to cash that in for them,” said Hammel, acquired from Tampa Bay on April 5.
“I’ll do whatever they want me to do. Obviously, I came up as a starter. I’ve done it all. I’m happy to get that opportunity again. I’ve worked really hard to get back there. We’ll see what happens.”
The 26-year-old right-hander started five games for the American League champion Rays last April, then moved to the bullpen and became a long reliever when Scott Kazmir returned from the disabled list. Hammel gets this fresh opportunity because Franklin Morales is on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder.
Hammel throws a fastball that can reach 93 mph, a curveball, a slider and a changeup.
“He’s got a fastball with some finish to it,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “And then he’ll work in that curveball. . . . It looks hittable, and then it’s gone. Now you see it, now you don’t.
“He’s got a slider that can be an above-average pitch also. He’s got some weapons.”
Tulo’s woes.
Troy Tulowitzki hit in the No. 2 spot Sunday for the first time this season, but it didn’t help him. He went 0-for-3 with a walk and struck out twice. In 54 at-bats, he has already whiffed a team-high 17 times and is hitting .167.
Hurdle hopes Tulowitzki will follow the lead set by Ryan Spilborghs. After a string of bad at-bats with mounting strikeouts, he went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs.
“Spilborghs was leading the team in strikeouts a week ago, so Tulo might turn it around. That’s how I’m looking at it,” Hurdle said.
