Rockies Reliever Jason Motte to Miss Opening Day

Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever Jason Motte will miss Opening Day with a shoulder strain according to Patrick Saunders @psaundersdp of the Denver Post. Motte was the front-runner for the Rockies closer position coming out of spring training leaving left-handed pitcher Jake McGee in line to take his place.

Both Motte and McGee were acquired during the off season in the Rockies attempts to bolster a bullpen that’s been overworked and plagued by injuries the past few seasons. After pitching for the Chicago Cubs last year, Jason Motte injured his shoulder towards the end of the season and did not pitch for the Cubs in their postseason run. The Cardinals former closer and Tommy John recipient says the injury is not the same as last season however, his timetable for return is unknown.

Jul 24, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Jake McGee (57) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Baltimore Orioles 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jake McGee was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Corey Dickerson deal and is expected to take over for Jason Motte in the closer role. Walt Weiss has not make a formal decision yet regarding who will close out games this season, but McGee’s 19 saves with Tampa Bay and his career 2.77 ERA leaves him the front-runner. Both Motte and McGee have the ability to close games but also have experience in the setup role making them key bullpen members this season.

Next: Jorge De La Rosa Named Opening Day Starter

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