In need of pitching help, the Colorado Rockies made a series of roster moves ahead of Thursday night’s win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chad Bettis was recalled from triple-A Albuquerque to fill the spot in the starting rotation that was vacated when Tyler Matzek was sent down to triple-A last week. Bettis made his 2015 debut on Thursday night. The 26-year-old righty allowed four runs on seven hits with four walks and three strikeouts in five innings.
Relief pitcher Brooks Brown was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 4, with inflammation in his right shoulder. He isn’t expected to have an extended absence, but the Rockies needed room on the active roster and the shoulder had been bothering Brown.
The Rockies also optioned bench player Rafael Ynao to triple-A to make room for another arm in their bullpen. Ynoa was hitting .241 with three RBIs in his scattered appearances.
Yohan Flande – who has been the Rockies best farm pitcher this season – was also activated from double-A New Britain. The 29-year-old right-handed pitcher is 5-0 with a 1.36 ERA, 30 strikeouts, and four walks in double-A this season. Flande may be called upon to start in the event that Jordan Lyles – who took an Albert Puhols’ comebacker off his throwing hand on Wednesday – is unable to make his next start.
Meanwhile, Wilin Rosario – who was called up on May 8 – started in place of Justin Morneau at first place on Thursday night. Morneau jarred his neck and came up dizzy on a diving catch attempt on the previous night in Anaheim. Rosario provided two RBIs, including a solo homerun, and solid defense on Thursday night. Morneau has a history with concussions, but Rosario also had a favorable matchup against LHP Brett Anderson.
Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.
