Colorado Rockies: News and notes on a busy Friday in Seattle

SEATTLE – In its final road trip before the All-Star break, the Colorado Rockies opened a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on Friday night. Before the game, there was plenty going on, including a surprise lineup change.

Catcher Tom Murphy was originally in the starting lineup for the Rockies but was pulled from duty because his wife is due to deliver his first child (she has another child as well). Murphy caught a plane to Denver and Tony Wolters took his place behind the plate.

Colorado manager Bud Black said that Murphy would likely be back on Tuesday when the Rockies opened a key series at Coors Field against the National League West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks. He also stated the team would likely call up a player to take Murphy’s place on the roster for the final two games of the series in Seattle.

“This is your stage too”

German Marquez was looking forward to facing Felix Hernandez in Friday night’s opener. Both are Venezuela natives and Marquez was excited to face his fellow countryman. However, Bud Black reminded Marquez that he belonged on the mound just as much as Seattle’s veteran hurler.

"“My message to German has been, ‘This is your stage too,” Black said."

Marquez was stellar in his last start, allowing one run and two hits in eight innings in a road win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. That was the highlight of a tough June, however, that saw Marquez go 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA.

Freeland spends time with Special Olympians

Colorado starting pitcher Kyle Freeland spent part of his off day on Thursday meeting and cheering on some of the Special Olympians who were taking part in the Special Olympics USA Games at the University of Washington.

"“With me growing up and still in this game, it’s really about having as much fun as you can, learning about your sport and really pulling for your teammates,” Freeland said about his message to the Special Olympians. “Win or lose, they’re happy. They’re out there working really hard to get medals, and that was great to see.”"

Freeland was there as the Colorado track team collected a bronze medal, giving Colorado athletes a perfect 29 medals in 29 chances.

While Freeland was there to celebrate with the Colorado team, he laughed when he talked about being trash-talked by one of the athletes.

Next: Why Kyle Freeland is not a fan of the wave

"“We watched a tennis match and they ended up winning gold,” Freeland said of the Colorado contingent. “She joked after they won about how she served probably harder than I throw.”"

SEATTLE – In its final road trip before the All-Star break, the Colorado Rockies opened a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on Friday night. Before the game, there was plenty going on, including a surprise lineup change.

“This is your stage too”

Freeland spends time with Special Olympians

Schedule