LOS ANGELES — After being unable to work out a trade, the Rockies re-instated Yorvit Torrealba from the restricted list after today’s game and designated Paul Phillips for assignment. Torrealba expected to be traded when he left the clubhouse.
However, he has $2 million remaining on his contract, complicating any deal. The Rockies have 10 days to trade or release Phillips. They would love for him to clear waivers to keep him in the organization in Triple-A.
Phillips made a strong impression on manager Jim Tracy, who praised the way he worked in conjunction with starter Chris Iannetta on studying hitters and calling pitches.
“I knew this was a possibility,” Phillips said today.
The Rockies said earlier today that they were delaying the decision until Friday. It’s unclear what changed, though there wasn’t much wiggle room in the agreement worked out with major league baseball.
Torrealba was given five games to get back in shape before returning to the big leagues. He hasn’t played since June 2 since leaving the team following the kidnapping and safe return of his son.
Torrealba played four games in the minor leagues last week, getting in shape to rejoin the Rockies. He checked out fine in an exam by trainer Keith Dugger, and was surprised that no decision was made since he believed that’s why he was flown to Los Angeles.
Phillips’ work with the starter Chris Iannetta has drawn Tracy’s praise. He said the Rockies are “leaving no stone unturned” in making the decision.
Torrealba, a key ingredient to the Rockies’ 2007 World Series run, has roughly $2 million remaining on his contract, complicating any trade scenario.
The Rockies are looking to add another bullpen arm, and have made it known to other teams that Garrett Atkins is available. He started today with Todd Helton getting a rest.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
