Colorado Rockies news: Roster moves, injury updates, the rotation, and LeMahieu

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports some news and notes on the Rockies on Twitter.

First off, Saunders reports that Rockies left-handed reliever Jake McGee will be activated before today’s game. He was on the disabled list with a mild back strain. His last appearance was on July 25 against the St. Louis Cardinals. In a corresponding move, right-handed reliever Shane Carle was optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque.

He was just recalled from Triple-A yesterday as we reported in this article. Saunders also notes, on Twitter, that today is McGee’s birthday and his present is coming off of the DL.

McGee in 2017

McGee has an ERA of 3.27 in 43 appearances and 41 1/3 innings of work. He has struck out 10.2 batters per nine innings and he’s only walking 2.6 per nine. His WHIP has been good (1.089) and his FIP has been excellent as it’s at 2.99. Batters are also only hitting .219 against him with a .274 on-base percentage.

An update on Kyle Freeland‘s injury

As you may remember during Friday’s game against the Phillies, Rockies starter Kyle Freeland left the game after nine pitches and just facing two batters with a groin injury. However, Saunders reports on Twitter that Freeland was playing catch today and he was pain free and that it is a good sign.

D.J. LeMahieu scratched from Sunday’s lineup

Saunders also reports, on Twitter, that DJ LeMahieu was scratched from today’s lineup due to “bruised triceps.” Alexi Amarista will be starting in place for him.

Rotation changes

Saunders confirmed our own Kevin Henry suspicions in this article from three days ago that Rockies right-handed pitcher Tyler Chatwood will indeed move to the bullpen. He was scheduled to start on Wednesday against the reigning American League champion Cleveland Indians. However, Antonio Senzatela will take switch places with him and assume his spot in the starting rotation.

Saunders also notes that Chatwood still believes that he is a starter but he will do whatever he’s asked for by the team right now.

Rockies manager Bud Black also believes this to as we reported in this article from two days ago. Bud Black will keep on doing what he’s been doing all season and he will be doing it next week when Chad Bettis returns to Rockies.