The moving parts of the Rockies’ bullpen resulted in the demotion of hard-throwing right-hander Carlos Estevez to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.
The club had to find a roster spot for veteran right-hander Chad Qualls, who’s returning from the 15-day disabled list after a bout with colitis. Qualls was available to pitch against the Chicago Cubs on Friday night, weather permitting.
Estevez, a rookie who has saved 11 games for the Rockies, has struggled lately.
“One of the major reasons was his workload,” Weiss said, explaining why Estevez was optioned to Triple-A. “He’s carried a heavy workload and this gives us a chance to give him a physical break, and maybe a mental one, too. Although I do feel like Carlos is on his way back and he’s been throwing the ball well in some high-leverage situations.”
Estevez is 2-7 with a 5.28 ERA over 44⅓ innings. Weiss said he expects Estevez to return soon, likely before the roster is expanded with September call-ups.
Qualls, 38, signed a two-year, $6 million contract during the offseason. He has struggled in his first season in Colorado, going 2-0 with a 5.61 ERA. Weiss said he will ease Qualls back into action. Qualls was placed on the disabled list July 23, retroactive to July 16.
Who’s on first? For the first time in his eight-year career, outfielder Gerardo Parra was on the lineup card as a starting first baseman.
“We are looking for way to keep Parra involved, and this is one way to do it,” Weiss said. “He’s been working out at first and doing a lot of pregame stuff. Plus, he’s an athletic guy. With our outfield situation, we are trying to be creative in ways to keep everybody involved.”
Parra, who missed 46 games because of a sprained left ankle, has been slow to heat up since coming off the disabled list, batting 9-for-39 (.231) in 11 games, but he tripled, doubled and drove in four runs Wednesday in the Rockies’ 12-10 victory over Washington.
