SAN FRANCISCO — Clint Barmes has not dropped to second on the second-base depth chart. There was a growing suspicion he had lost his job after not starting three of the past four games. The Rockies have shown they aren’t afraid to shake things up, demoting opening-day catcher Chris Iannetta to Colorado Springs.
The situations are not alike, manager Jim Tracy said. Barmes didn’t start Saturday because of his poor numbers against Matt Cain. Tracy saw progress in Friday’s at-bats and didn’t want to stop the momentum with a difficult matchup.
“I am going to keep Clint involved,” said Tracy, who could no longer guarantee Iannetta playing time. “He’s saved us runs repeatedly. That doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but I see it.”
Eric Young Jr. started in Barmes’ place Saturday and committed an error, unable to catch a poorly lobbed throw by catcher Miguel Olivo. The Rockies don’t have anybody who plays second like Barmes, but they need him to hit. He has batted .210 in his last 347 regular-season at-bats dating to July 1. He has gone back to a more closed stance and feels more comfortable.
“I have had some timing issues. I am keeping it simple as I can make it now,” Barmes said. “The last few games I have played, I have seen the ball better than I have all year. I believe things are definitely going to pick up.”
Francis, Street move forward.
Jeff Francis (soreness under left armpit) threw roughly 60 pitches in a four-inning simulated game Saturday in Tucson, and the Rockies will discuss today whether to send him out on a rehab assignment. Closer Huston Street also progressed, throwing a 30-pitch bullpen session. He will face hitters Tuesday.
Jason Hammel will throw a bullpen session today. He’s almost fully healed, but the Rockies couldn’t wait the few extra days needed because the relief corps required a fresh arm last week.
Footnotes.
To make room for Esmil Rogers on the 40-man roster, the Rockies designated reliever Juan Rincon for assignment. If Rincon clears waivers, he can be sent back to Triple-A. “He’s definitely a candidate for the traveling suitcase award, that guy who goes back and forth all the time,” Tracy said. . . . The Rockies believe reliever Justin Speier has retired. He went to Tucson to throw but elected not to join Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
