Ian Stewart will spend opening day in a Rockies uniform.
The third baseman, slowed by a tight left hamstring late in spring training, is on the 25-man roster the Rockies released today.
To set the opening-day roster, the Rockies purchased the contract of infielder/pinch hitter Jason Giambi and placed right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 22.
The only real mystery was whether Stewart, facing a take-it-to-the-next-level season, would be ready for the opener.
He sure looked ready on Wednesday in a minor league game. Stewart went 3-for-7 as a designated hitter, delivering two home runs. His two blasts went to left field, and he singled to center. He also walked twice.
“I am pretty sure (will be in Denver) if all goes well. But I can’t tell you 100 percent until I am headed there,” Stewart told The Denver Post on Wednesday.
General manager Dan O’Dowd and Jim Tracy said it’s important that Stewart function at full speed because of the type of aggressive style the team plans to employ offensively.
Here is the Rockies’ 25-man roster for opening day:
Right-handed Pitchers (9)
Matt Belisle
Rafael Betancourt
Jhoulys Chacin
Jason Hammel
Ubaldo Jimenez
Matt Lindstrom
Felipe Paulino
Esmil Rogers
Huston Street
Left-handed Pitchers (3)
Jorge De La Rosa
Franklin Morales
Matt Reynolds
Catchers (2)
Chris Iannetta
Jose Morales
Infielders (7)
Jason Giambi
Todd Helton
Jonathan Herrera
Jose Lopez
Ian Stewart
Troy Tulowitzki
Ty Wigginton
Outfielders (4)
Dexter Fowler
Carlos Gonzalez
Ryan Spilborghs
Seth Smith
