Colorado Rockies Rundown: Kahnle Optioned To AAA, Gurka Recalled, Roberts DFA’d, Betancourt Released

Mar 1, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher J. Gurka poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kahnle to AAA; Gurka recalled

(via MLB.com)

The Colorado Rockies selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Jason Gurka on Friday afternoon before their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. To make room for Gurka on the 40-man roster, Kenny Roberts was designated for assignment.

And, to make room for Gurka on the 25-man roster, Tommy Kahnle was optioned to AAA Albuquerque, after walking hitters in 10 of his last 14 appearances and losing his feel for the strike zone late in close games.

The Colorado Rockies no doubt wanted another left-handed arm in the bullpen in the short run, after LHP Christian Friedrich — who leads the team in games pitched — has been fading recently in the bullpen, himself.

[ Related: So much for Tommy Kahnle closing games the rest of the year ]

Kahnle will likely be back when rosters expand in September, but for now, Gurka is set to make his Major League debut as a member of the Colorado Rockies, after being stuck in the minor leagues in the Baltimore Orioles’ system up through 2014.

Gurka, a 15th round pick in 2008, spoke to MLB.com about the Orioles, and getting an opportunity with the Rockies:

"“To be honest, I was happy I was playing a game for a job. I loved every day of it. I never looked up. I knew opportunity would happen, and I got one with the Rockies.”"

Congratulations to him, as he will soon make his Major League debut in purple pinstripes.

On a side note, it’s interesting that the Colorado Rockies bypassed Roberts to get an untested lefty specialist, choosing to forgo the (limited) experience Roberts had coming out of the bullpen this year. We’ll keep you updated with where the DFA takes Roberts.

Next: Rafael Betancourt officially released