Rockies starter German Marquez, left, and relief pitcher Carlos Estevez, right, get ready for practice at Salt River Fields. (Chris Carlson, The Associated Press)
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Carlos Estevez’s long-shot bid for an opening-day spot in the Rockies’ bullpen took a hit Thursday after he allowed four hits and three runs in a rough ninth inning.
The Reds rallied late to win, knocking two doubles off Estevez. He recorded just two outs before Brock Huntzinger spelled him for the third out. Rafael Ynoa’s sacrifice fly to score Ryan Casteel in the bottom of the ninth wasn’t enough to rally the Rockies.
The Rockies bullpen to start the season likely will includ LHP Jake McGee, RHP Jason Motte, RHP Chas Qualls, LHP Boone Logan and RHP Christian Bergman in long-relief. Scott Oberg is a leading candidate among bubble arms. That leaves two or three spots open. Estevez was likely battling against Miguel Castro and German Marquez among younger arms looking to break through. But Simon Castro, Gonzalez Germen and Sam Moll remain options.
Chris Rusin remains in starter’s mode after missing six days with an inflammed middle finger. But he’s out of minor-league options. So moving him to the pen would be a roundabout way of keeping him around. Which would alter the order.
HITS
** Nolan Arenado doubled off Reds starter Brandon Finnegan to raise his average to .500 and OPS to 1.221 in 16 at-bats. He also turned a mid-season looking double play behind Tyler Chatwood in the fourth. “He’s just really good,” manager Walt Weiss said, running out of ways to say it.
** DJ LeMahieu (2-for-3) and Charlie Blackmon (1-for-2) hit two-out RBIs.
MISSES
Chatwood struggled some in the first of two innings of work, allowing two hits and a run. But he rebounded in the second to go 1-2-3 with a strikeout. “I’m glad he finished on that good note,” Weiss said.
WHAT’S NEXT
Rockies (5-2) host the Cleveland Indians (4-4) at Salt River Fields, Friday, 1:10 p.m.
Rockies pitchers — RH Chad Bettis, RH Christian Bergman, RH Jason Motte, RH Miguel Castro, RH Scott Oberg, RH Brian Schlitter.
Cleveland starter — Cody Anderson.
