David Hale will make his Rockies debut Saturday after some delay. The third-year right-hander, who arrived in Colorado by trade with the Atlanta Braves in January, will start against the San Francisco Giants in the second game of a doubleheader.
Hale, 25, was competing for the Rockies’ fifth starting spot coming out of spring training. But a left oblique strain set him off course. Instead, he rehabbed in the lower minor leagues and started the season at Triple-A Albuquerque.
“He’s worked his way back,” manager Walt Weiss said. “He’s basically had his spring training down in Albuquerque. We like the arm, we like the stuff. We feel like he was progressing down there.”
Hale struggled early at Triple-A, going 0-2 with a 6.93 ERA.
His call-up is a necessity. Christian Bergman (2-0, 2.80) was a starting option until he was used for two outs Thursday against the Phillies.
“Couple days ago we weren’t sure which way we’d go, if Bergie was going to make the start,” Weiss said. “But that tipped the scales for us.”
Bergman, and fellow long-reliever Yohan Flande, will be available Saturday for relief duty.
“Bergie’s done a great job in that role,” Weiss said. “He’s been very valuable. So we’ll keep him there.”
The Giants are planning to use Yusmeiro Petit in the nightcap spot start.
Getting more versatile. Ben Paulsen, who was called up Tuesday to replace Corey Dickerson (plantar fasciitis), has played in each game, with three starts, including another in left field Friday.
Weiss is using him all over the field. He has also started at first base and pinch hit.
“I’ve been flip-flopping. I’m used to it now,” Paulsen said.
Paulsen made his debut last season and was used primarily as a backup first baseman. But with the Rockies regularly carrying only four bench players, they need backups who can play multiple positions.
“We had a discussion about him being more versatile,” Weiss said. “I’ve always liked his bat. And he’s worked hard at being able to play either corner in the outfield.”
Footnotes. Right handed-reliever Brooks Brown remains on track for a likely return to the Rockies on Saturday. … Justin Morneau (concussion symptoms) is getting better, Weiss said, but will remain out. “He’s been resting,” Weiss said. “Anytime he’s symptomatic at all, we’re very conscious.”
