MILWAUKEE — It is a function of a long season that Aaron Cook’s role has changed dramatically without him throwing a single pitch for the Rockies.
When Cook landed on the disabled list with a fractured right pointer finger and a sore shoulder, his return was not viewed with any urgency. The Rockies had five starters, and plenty of options in Triple-A.
The picture looks decidedly different: Esmil Rogers (sore right lat) is hurt, Greg Reynolds is back up as a sixth starter, slated to go Saturday, and Clayton Mortensen has been a feel-good story.
Unlike on April 1, the Rockies could use an extra arm. The question is, where does Cook fit?
He took steps toward the big-league roster Monday with another encouraging outing for Double-A Tulsa. The Rockies’ all-time winningest pitcher worked five innings, striking out six and allowing four runs on a miserably cold and windy day in Oklahoma. According to talent evaluators in attendance, Cook’s sinker sat between 86 to 91 mph and he displayed a plus curveball and good command.
Other than a brief stint early in his career, Cook has been a starter. He lost his rotation spot temporarily last year but ended up on the DL before working in the bullpen. It raises the question: What will Cook’s role be when he returns?
Mortensen owns a 2.17 ERA, and, frankly, he looks like the Cook of old.
“He throws strikes and gets a lot of groundballs,” manager Jim Tracy said. “He’s made a very compelling argument to stay (in the rotation).”
Cook is eligible to return Monday. If he pitches Saturday, however, it’s likely he wouldn’t be activated until the first week of June. By then, some of the roster issues might be sorted out, which include tinkering in the bullpen. The Rockies have said left-hander reliever Rex Brothers is close to a promotion. He’s averaging nearly two strikeouts per inning and is expected to arrive no later than June 1.
Footnote.
Carlos Gonzalez has not run at full strength since injuring his left groin in Philadelphia. He’s hopeful that he will be 100 percent today.
