Colorado Rockies: Updates on Motte, Castro and More

Prior to Sunday’s three-game series finale against the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss met with the media to give his thoughts on a variety of subjects, including the improving health of relievers Miguel Castro and Jason Motte.

Castro was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 22 with inflammation in his right shoulder. He has recently been throwing for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on a rehab assignment. Heading into Sunday’s action, Castro had given up three hits and two earned runs in his only inning of work.

Motte hasn’t appeared in a game for the Colorado Rockies this season after straining his shoulder in Spring Training action. Signed in the offseason to a two-year, $10 million contract, Motte has allowed one run in two innings of work spanning two rehab outings with the Isotopes.

On Miguel Castro…

“He’s doing OK. I think it’s going to be a little while longer though. He’s a guy that we need to try to build up and be able to go back-to-back days to help us in those ways when he comes back to us. That’s part of the process as well.”

On Jason Motte…

“Motte is getting close. He has to go back-to-back days before he can come back to us but so far so good. His velocity has been good and we’re getting good reports.”

On a possible six-man starting rotation for the Colorado Rockies…

“We kick it around from time to time. It’s in play, depending on the schedule. With the off days, we’ve been OK and we’ve been able to give guys an extra day here or there so it’s like having a six-man so far a couple of different times through the rotation. It’s definitely something we keep in the back of our minds when the schedule gets tough. It’s about picking the spot and trusting our eyes.”

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On moving Carlos Gonzalez down in the batting order from third to fifth…

“I’m just trying to let him catch his breath. I know he has been putting a lot of pressure on himself because he’s been struggling when he’s in the three hole. He feels like he’s letting the team down and that can be a burden and can weigh on you. But hey, it’s only two spots away. It’s not like it’s a big move. Just the thought of being out of that spot takes some of the pressure off and lets him relax a little bit and slow down.”

Note: CarGo responded to batting fifth with a 2-for-3 day, including a homer, on Sunday.

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