SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Rockies on Wednesday optioned right-handed relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle off their major-league roster. Kahnle had been in competition for the seventh or eighth spot in Colorado’s bullpen.
A Rule 5 draft pick last year, Kahnle, 25, pitched most of the season with the Rockies and improved over his scouting projection. He showed control with high-velocity and changeup combinations in the middle innings. He compiled a 4.19 ERA in 68 2/3 innings.
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But the Rockies added enough depth to their bullpen in the offseason that Kahnle fell down the list.
“He’s just working on some consistency,” Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. “But the talent is there.”
Brooks Brown and Rafael Betancourt appear to be front-runners for the final spots in Colorado’s bullpen. Betancourt allowed one hit and no runs in one inning of work against the Giants on Wednesday.
Jairo Diaz, 24, also remains in competition for the bullpen.
The Rockies may start the season with seven relievers and a regular complement of either five bench players or five starting pitchers. Or they may use an eighth-man bullpen with one fewer player somewhere else.
Nick Groke: ngroke@denverpost.com or
