SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — For Jeremy Guthrie, spring training is just that — training.
That being said, Tuesday was not a good day for the right-hander, who will start opening day for the Rockies on April 6 in Houston.
Guthrie was hit hard, allowing five extra-base hits (10 hits in all) and four earned runs in six innings. The shelling left his spring ERA at 3.57.
Asked if he accomplished what he had hoped to, Guthrie joked: “No, I didn’t accomplish it, but I worked on it. And I exposed what things I need to get better at.”
Guthrie was penciled in to throw about 100 pitches; he ended up throwing 93.
“I felt strong today, all the way through my six innings,” he said.
“That’s more important than anything right now.”
Herrera’s future. The release of third baseman Casey Blake doesn’t necessarily mean utilityman Jonathan Herrera will make the opening-day roster. He has hit well this spring (.381) and played multiple infield positions, but if the Rockies decide to keep five outfielders, he likely won’t make it.
Also, Herrera has a minor-league option, allowing the Rockies to send him down without being exposed to other clubs via waivers.
Catching time. Blake’s departure could clear the way for catching prospect Wilin Rosario, 23, to make the roster. Using Rosario behind the plate would free up Jordan Pacheco from backup catching duties and allow the Rockies to use Pacheco as a bat off the bench when he isn’t playing third base.
Wil Nieves, 34, is another backup catching possibility.
Footnote. Guillermo Moscoso, still trying to make the rotation, allowed two earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings on 79 pitches in a minor-league game.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
