Colorado Rockies Make Pitching, Catching Roster Moves

By Kevin Henry | Jun 14, 2016

May 5, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher Tony Wolters (14) talks to the dugout in the game against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the New York Yankees, the Colorado Rockies made some key personnel moves that affects the battery.

The Rockies reinstated catcher Tony Wolters from the 7-day disabled list (concussion) and have placed left-hander Chris Rusin on the 15-day disabled list (left shoulder strain). Additionally, Colorado recalled right-hander Miguel Castro from Triple-A Albuquerque while catcher Dustin Garneau was optioned to Albuquerque.

The 24-year-old Wolters was placed on the disabled list June 3 due to concussion-like symptoms. He has made 26 starts at catcher for Colorado with the Rockies going 14-12 in those starts. He has batted .217 (20-for-92) with 14 runs, seven doubles, 11 RBI, 12 walks, 21 strikeouts and three stolen bases in 31 games played in his rookie season.

In two rehab games with Triple-A Albuquerque, Wolters went 2-for-8 with one run, one RBI and one strikeout.

While Wolters rejoins the Rockies, Garneau returns to Triple-A. Garneau is 14-for-60 (.233) with six runs, five doubles, one home run, five RBI, six walks and 18 strikeouts across 17 starts with the Rockies this season over two stints.

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Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss said Wolters provides the Rockies with more versatility, helping make the decision on who stays and who goes.

“Dustin did an outstanding job for us. For me, I think he’s gotten better and better. A lot of that has been at the Major League level. He’s gotten better and I told him that,” Weiss said. “With Tony, he gives us a little more flexibility with a four-man bench like we usually have. The fact he can play the infield and hit left-handed, those were factors.”

Rusin, 29, is 2-4 with a 4.12 ERA (54.2 IP, 25 ER) in 12 appearances, seven starts, with the Rockies this season. As a starter, he is 1-4 with a 5.08 ERA (39.0 IP, 22 ER), 15 walks and 28 strikeouts. As a reliever, Rusin is 1-0 with a 1.72 ERA (15.2 IP, 3 ER), two walks and 11 strikeouts.

“We felt like he needed more than just a couple of days,” Weiss said of Rusin’s injury. “We could push his start date back and make it retroactive. It was the right thing to do for Chris.”

Next: Why Boone Logan is a Key Part of the Colorado Bullpen

The 21-year-old Castro will be welcomed back for his third stint with the Rockies. This season, he has no record and a 3.75 ERA (12.0 IP, 5 ER) with three walks and 10 strikeouts. He has been scored upon in three of his 13 relief appearances.

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