Josh Rutledge, Michael McKenry among five cuts made by Colorado Rockies

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies made a number of moves on Thursday, bringing them closer to their 25-man roster for Opening Day.

Infielder Josh Rutledge and catcher Michael McKenry are among the most noteworthy names on the list of position players cut and sent to the minor leagues. From Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post:

"The players optioned were catcher Mike McKenry and infielders Josh Rutledge and Ryan Wheeler. Outfielders Jason Pridie and Tim Wheeler, both non-roster invitees, were re-assigned to the minors.”"

The Rockies also reportedly will part ways with Paul Janish, which means that Charlie Culberson is now front and center in the utility infield picture, at least to start the season. For however long the roster stays this way, Culberson would responsible for covering all spots in the infield except first base, where Justin Morneau could be spelled by Michael Cuddyer, or Wilin Rosario.

Jordan Pacheco makes the team as back-up catcher, something held in some doubt in the last few days. The Rockies also have the option of plugging him in at third or first base, though hopefully it never comes to that.

Worth noting here is the fact that none of the six outfielders have been accounted for as of yet. That leaves open the unlikely scenario in which the team carries all six of them; it also leaves open the possibility that trade talks are ongoing and that we will see additional changes to the roster between now and Opening Day or even after the season starts.

One possible scenario: the Rockies deal Blackmon for player(s) who are not big league ready and Rutledge re-joins the big club so that they have another infielder.

There are still decisions to be made, so stay tuned.