DENVER—The Colorado Rockies have optioned struggling right-hander Alex White to Triple-A Colorado Springs, one day after his third consecutive poor start.
The Rockies recalled reliever Zach Putnam from Colorado Springs to fill White’s roster spot. Putnam was in uniform for Monday night’s game against the Washington Nationals.
In his past three starts, White has worked just 10 1-3 innings and is 0-2 with a 9.58 ERA with 10 walks and eight strikeouts.
White was 2-6 with a 6.45 ERA in 10 starts since he was recalled May 8. He pitched 2 2-3 innings Sunday night at Texas, allowing four runs on six hits.
Manager Jim Tracy said, “It simply boils down to this: consistency. You pitch behind on a regular basis at this level you’re going to get hurt often.”
Putnam, who turns 26 on July 3, is 1-2 with 11 saves and a 4.94 ERA in 25 games for Colorado Springs with 11 walks and 37 strikeouts in 27 1-3 innings.
This will be Putnam’s second stint with the Rockies this season. He joined the Rockies for a doubleheader April 25 at Pittsburgh when a 26th player could be added to the roster.
He allowed one hit while pitching one scoreless inning in the second game.