SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Catcher Chris Iannetta will start opening day. But what about the Rockies’ third game? Who will spell him?
With five days left in spring training, Jose Morales, Matt Pagnozzi and upstart Jordan Pacheco are still jockeying for the backup spot.
Morales, who is out of minor-league options, has hit .333 this spring. Adjusting to a new pitching staff has taken time, but he has shown a strong arm.
Pagnozzi continues to impress Rockies’ officials. He’s batted .278, and fits the backup profile of a catch-and- throw guy. He has minor- league options remaining.
Pacheco, attempting to skip Triple-A, has been the surprise of March. He’s shown big-league acumen at the plate, and pitchers have said they are comfortable throwing to him. Pacheco also has been taking groundballs at first, second and third base.
“He’s still here for a reason,” manager Jim Tracy said.
The final bullpen spot and Iannetta’s backup are the lone roster questions, barring injury.
Seconds anyone?
Eric Young Jr. and Jose Lopez are attracting some interest from scouts. If the Rockies are interested in moving Young, there likely would be takers, given the number of teams looking for a leadoff man.
As it stands, Lopez, who will make $3.6 million, figures to share the second- base job with Jonathan Herrera.
Herrera has enjoyed a terrific spring, hitting .367 with four triples. Along with Seth Smith, he’s a candidate to hit second in the order.
“(Herrera) may be as good a situational hitter on the club (as we have),” Tracy said.
Chacin removed.
Jhoulys Chacin labored through four innings Thursday, an outing that was abbreviated by a bruise between his right thumb and index finger suffered while bunting. Chacin returned to the Rockies’ facility and showed no grip issues.
Footnotes.
Reliever Matt Reynolds eased concerns with another scoreless outing. . . . Jason Giambi was scratched with a minor right ear infection.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
Rockies Recap
Dodgers 7, Rockies 5
Camelback Ranch, Ariz.
Hits: Ty Wigginton delivered two RBIs and also slid hard into second base, breaking up a double play that led to a run. He shares the team lead with 11 RBIs this spring.
Misses: The Dodgers rallied for seven runs in the ninth inning off minor-league call-ups Mike Marbry and Chris Malone.
What’s next: Rangers at Rockies, 7:40 p.m., Salt River Fields.
Newly appointed fifth starter Esmil Rogers, in his final Cactus League start, looks to build momentum going into the season as a member of the rotation. Relievers Matt Belisle, Rex Brothers and Felipe Paulino will follow.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
