Christian Bergman. (Justin Edmonds, Getty Images)
ROCKIES 6, CLEVELAND 1
At Salt River Fields
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Christian Bergman threw two perfect innings of relief Friday against Cleveland. He hasn’t been scored on in the Cactus League. He’s quietly sneaking into the Rockies rotation discussion.
Bergman will continue to be built up for longer-inning stints, Colorado manager Walt Weiss said. His spring success allows the Rockies a starting rotation safety measure if Tyler Chatwood isn t ready for the opening-day roster after coming back from Tommy John surgery, or if another starter falters.
We ll stretch him out more, yeah, Weiss said. I don t know exactly to what degree.
Bergman has experience as a starter, but he finished 2015 as the Rockies long reliever. His ability to bend himself to different needs has Weiss to rely on him for unpredictable scenarios — filling in for injuries or, possibly, by impressing enough to bust into the rotation. He nearly did it out of spring last year too.
The Rockies had a fifth pitcher on the mound Friday before they allowed a baserunner against Cleveland. Chad Bettis, Bergman, Jason Motte and Miguel Castro all held Cleveland hitless before Scott Oberg finally walked Mike Napoli in the eighth inning. Simon Castro threw another hitless frame after Oberg. And the Rockies collectively allowed just three hits.
That s a good sign, Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. That s where we re really looking to improve this year.
HITS
** Rookie catcher Tom Murphy, as a designated hitter, knocked his first home run in spring, a two-run shot off Cody Allen in the seventh.
** OF Brandon Barnes went 2-for-3 with an RBI double.
MISSES
The Rockies went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base.
WHAT’S NEXT
Rockies (6-4) travel to Maryvale, Ariz., to face the Milwaukee Brewers (4-5), Saturday, 1:05 p.m. (850-AM radio).
Rockies pitchers — LH Tyler Anderson (3 innings), RH Jon Gray (3), RH Chad Qualls, LH Jake McGee, RH Justin Miller.
Brewers starter — Taylor Jungmann.
