Christian Bergman, Eddie Butler In Mix For Rotation

Aug 24, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Christian Bergman (36) prepares to throw in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like the Colorado Rockies might go with a five-man rotation, giving spots – at least to start – to both Christian Bergman and Eddie Butler.

According to the Denver Post‘s Nick Groke, now that prospect Jon Gray is slated to start the season at AAA Albuquerque, both Christian Bergman and Eddie Butler might be in line for rotation spots for the opening week, at least.

Groke tweets:

In the linked post, Groke goes on to report:

With Gray likely off the opening-day radar, the Rockies will evaluate two other pitchers for their rotation. And both might make it. Christian Bergman will pitch in a Cactus League game Friday in Peoria, Ariz., against the Mariners. Eddie Butler will face Seattle on Saturday at Salt River Fields in the Rockies’ final Cactus League game.

More from Colorado Rockies News

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: 3 things we appreciated from Tuesday in San Francisco
• What Bill Schmidt’s comments mean for the Colorado Rockies in 2023

Obviously, this schedule would seem to push Bergman to the third game, on Wednesday, in Milwaukee.

Butler would then conceivably start the fifth game of the season in Denver against the Cubs, after Tyler Matzek starts the home opener on Friday.

Assuming Butler and Bergman each throw well enough (and, in Butler’s case at least, impress the team by staying strong and healthy), it looks like the Rockies could still open with a five-man rotation.

Groke also notes that the Rockies will start the season with four outfielders after Brandon Barnes’ demotion to AAA earlier this week. With two bench infielders and three catchers (including Wilin Rosario), the Rockies look to start the season with 13 position players in total.

So, with a five-man rotation, that would leave seven bullpen spots: LaTroy Hawkins, John Axford, Christian Friedrich, Boone Logan, Rafael Betancourt, Adam Ottavino, and it would seem Brooks Brown would, at least for now, be the final member of the Opening Day roster.

We’ll continue to update you as things take shape. The Rockies play the Seattle Mariners this evening, and again tomorrow afternoon, before enjoying an off day Sunday in preparation for Opening Day in Milwaukee on Monday afternoon.