An early first pitch for Morales
There will be no easing into the day for left-hander Franklin Morales before he starts today for Triple-A Colorado Springs. Morales is scheduled to oppose visiting Reno in a game that will begin at 11:05 a.m. and could determine if Morales rejoins the Rockies next week.
The Rockies could recall Morales to start April 21 at Arizona when a fifth starter is needed. On that day, Morales would be pitching with one extra day of rest. Morales last pitched on April 8 when he started and won for the Rockies at Arizona.
He allowed four hits and one run (Stephen Drew homered in the first) while throwing 91 pitches, 57 strikes, in six innings with one walk and six strikeouts as the Rockies won 9-2. Morales retired the final nine batters he faced.
What sort of variables are there involved in the decision to bring him back for the 21st game? Is this an out game the Rockies are giving themselves to keep him down there? An out game for the Rockies as in, an out clause if he performs anything less than lights out he stays in the springs for awhile longer and they dont have to let go of a bullpen reliever like Rusch or Belisle?
Do you have any feeling either way on what they will do?
Karl,
If the Rockies feel Morales has shown enough growth to make them think he has a chance to be reasonably consistent every fifth day, I don’t doubt that he’ll be recalled and get a chance to start. Their rotation has been up and down in the early going, with Morales providing an encouraging start last week in Arizona. The Rockies certainly would like to keep Rusch and Belisle, since both are capable long relievers and Rusch is left-handed. If Morales is ready to help, his contribution can exceed that of Rusch and/or Belisle, since he’s a starter and, in particular, LH starters with plus velocity are a prized commodity.
Given that the alternative to Morales in the rotation is RHP Justin Hammel _ he was stretched out in spring training and threw 82 pitches on April 5, the day he was traded, in a minor league game for Tampa Bay and 54 pitches in his Rockies debut Saturday _ and he has had trouble against left-handed hitters, my guess is Morales will be recalled. Lefties hit .281 in 139 ABs last year against Hammel and .313 in 399 ABs in his career. Against the Phillies on Saturday, Hammel gave up a homer to Raul Ibanez and a double to Shane Victorino and single to Chase Utley, all left-handed batters.
Very good effort and a nice job of making it difficult not to get called back.
So much seems to be psychological with Franklin …this has to be a good sign.