SAN DIEGO — Already wrestling with the uncomfortable situation of finding a place for Ian Desmond, the Rockies on Wednesday squeezed lefty reliever Mike Dunn back on their roster. It resulted in another difficult decision.
Colorado sent down young reliever to Triple-A Albuquerque, but not because he was obviously struggling. Dunn’s return from the disabled list, after his back spasms calmed, required a roster move.
“That tells us we feel good about the depth of our bullpen, having to send down Carlos like that,” Colorado manager Bud Black said.
Desmond, who started a second consecutive game at first base Wednesday, put veteran to the bench again, despite his team-high eight home runs. But the Rockies surplus of relievers is a new problem.
Estevez was a paperwork victim. He pitched well over 11 appearances, with a 2.61 ERA over 10 2/3 innings. But a 12th appearance, last week against the Nationals, resulted in seven runs in just 2/3 of an inning, ballooning his season ERA to 7.94.
His ERA, though, was likely not the reason behind Estevez’s demotion. With a second-year player such as Estevez, the Rockies have the option to shuttle him between the major leagues and Triple-A.
“He is going to work on his fastball command,” Black said, “but I suspect he will be back up to help us. He is going to force us to bring him back.”
As an example, veteran , who has 10.03 ERA over 11 2/3 innings, does not have the option of a demotion unless he is designated for assignment. The Rockies risk losing Lyles to another team on the waiver wire if they designate him.
Dunn’s return reunites a three-lefty bullpen that excelled through April, including and . Dunn had a 1.17 ERA over 7 2/3 innings before a minor back injury put him on the DL. He has allowed just one run, while striking out 10 and walking just two.
Looking ahead
Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (3-1, 2.93 ERA) at Padres RHP Luis Perdomo (0-0, 4.96), Thursday, 1:40 p.m., no TV, 850 AM
Freeland is forcing a higher percentage of groundballs than any starting pitcher in baseball through the first month — a trait suited well for a defense that includes Gold Gloves at third, in Nolan Arenado, and second, in DJ LeMahieu. Freeland, showing a two-pitch mix of cutting fastballs and sliders, allowed just one run in six innings over the weekend at Arizona. The 23-year-old will pitch at Petco Park for the first time in his rookie season.
Friday: Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (2-2, 3.19 ERA) at Rockies LHP Tyler Anderson (1-3, 7.71), 6:40 p.m., ROOT
Saturday: Diamondbacks LHP Patrick Corbin (2-3, 2.29) at Rockies RHP German Marquez (0-1, 7.20), 6:10 p.m., ROOT
Sunday: Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker (3-1, 4.19) at Rockies RHP Tyler Chatwood (2-4, 5.40), 1:10 p.m., ROOT
