SAN DIEGO — Manuel Corpas couldn’t save his closer’s job, but his roster spot is safe for now. Manager Clint Hurdle confirmed there would be no move with the right-handed reliever today despite his recent struggles.
“He’s on the team,” Hurdle said.
Hurdle explained that the issue is transferring solid work from the bullpen to the games. Corpas’ mechanics are fine in the stress-free environment, but he has lost his arm slot in games, sabotaging his slider.
Corpas was relieved he wasn’t demoted to Triple-A.
“I have one more chance,” said Corpas.
Randy Flores and Joel Peralta have performed well for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, catching the eye of general manager Dan O’Dowd. Both could be potential replacements if Corpas doesn’t execute a U-turn quickly.
Ryan Speier is not a candidate to replace Corpas, at least not right now. The right-hander is eligible to come off the disabled list today. However, he threw a 40-pitch simulated game today and his next step is a stop in extended spring training in Tucson before reporting to Triple-A on a rehab assignment. His left hamstring is fine, but he’s working on a new delivery. Or more specifically, an old delivery. He’s junking the higher arm angle and will throw exclusively sidearm.
“It will help create more movement on my pitches,” Speier said.
The Rockies are struggling, particularly in close games. They are only the third team since 1935 to begin a season 0-7 in one-run games.
“That’s something that has to turn around. Good teams don’t have that (mark),” Hurdle said.
Hurdle said he doesn’t consider it “early” anymore. That only applies to the first two weeks of the season, he said. He has managed with a sense of urgency, especially with his bullpen, but he’s stressing stability with the lineup. He confirmed that with Dexter Fowler as his center fielder, the only two spots under discussion are second base and left field.
That will be welcome news for the players, who don’t like change.
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A look at tonight’s Rockies lineup:
Rockies
CF Dexter Fowler
LF Ryan Spilborghs
1B Todd Helton
3B Garrett Atkins
RF Brad Hawpe
SS Troy Tulowitzki
C Chris Iannetta
2B Clint Barmes
LHP Jorge De La Rosa
