SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As pitchers and catchers reported to camp Wednesday, Walt Weiss began his fourth year as the Rockies’ manager with guarded optimism about the starting rotation, confidence in a revamped outfield and facing a huge question mark at shortstop.
The quandary at short involves starter Jose Reyes, who could be facing suspension under Major League Baseball’s new domestic violence policy. Reyes is scheduled to go to trial April 4, the day Colorado opens the regular season at Arizona. Reyes was arrested Oct. 31 for allegedly assaulting his wife in their hotel room in Wailea, Hawaii.
Regardless of what is decided in a court of law, commissioner Rob Manfred likely will hand down a suspension. However, there is nothing preventing Reyes from participating in spring training. Reyes, due to make $22 million this season, is Colorado’s highest-paid player.
Rockies position players are scheduled to hold their first workout next Thursday. Weiss, however, does not know if Reyes will be present.
Rockies Mailbag:
“I’m not sure,” he said. “It’s kind of a tough situation with the legal implications and everything. You’ve got to tread lightly. So I don’t really know exactly all the details.”
If Reyes is suspended, his absence could open the door for prospect Trevor Story.
“There will be some open competition, if Jose is not here,” Weiss said, adding that he doesn’t believe the Rockies would delay Story’s major-league debut in order to delay his service clock from beginning.
Asked if Story could compete for a starting job if Reyes is absent, Weiss answered: “Sure.”
Here is what Weiss had to say on other topics:
• The starting pitching, which he believes will be improved if right-handers Jordan Lyles and Tyler Chatwood can stay healthy:
“We didn’t make the big acquisition (during the offseason), but we ‘ve got some guys who really weren’t a part of it last year. I’m optimistic about our starting rotation.
“We’ve got to keep our fingers crossed. We’ve had to deal with injuries over the last few years … we’re hoping we catch a break in that area this year. It’s going to be a very competitive rotation.”
• The signing of free-agent outfielder Gerardo Parra, who will start in left field, replacing slugger Corey Dickerson, who was traded to Tampa Bay:
“As far as his skills set, offensively he can do some things. He’s a very tough out. He’s a good baserunner.
“When I look at our club last year, there were times where we were very heavy-footed. I think we’ve gotten a little more athletic, and he has a lot to do with that.
“(He’s a) top-level defender at any spot in the outfield. And he plays with a chip on his shoulder. We saw that firsthand with him being in the (National League West) over there in Arizona.”
• On flexible roles in a revamped bullpen, which includes hard-throwing newcomers Jake McGee, Jason Motte and Chad Qualls:
“I’m not sure, as I sit here today, if we’re going to break camp and I’m going to name a closer. I don’t know. I want to see how this thing plays out. I want to see how the pieces fit together.
“I want to see how we can put together a back end of the game and what those pieces look like before I start declaring roles at this point.”
Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or @psaundersdp
