Rockies recall Billings, place De La Rosa on DL
The Colorado Rockies formally placed Jorge De La Rosa on the 15-day disabled list with a torn left ulnar collateral ligament and recalled right-handed reliever Bruce Billings from Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Billings, a 30th-round pick by the Rockies in 2007 draft, is 2-2 with a 5.06 ERA at Triple-A Colorado Springs in his first full season as a reliever. Billings started throughout his minor league career until reaching Double-A Tulsa, where he was converted a reliever after 14 starts in 2010.
The Rockies likely elected to go with Billings over left-hander Rex Brothers because the stay is expected to be short. Greg Reynolds, who was originally scheduled to make a spot start Saturday before the team decided to bring up Juan Nicasio for a look, will work as the long man in the bullpen but is unavailable Wednesday. Billings will provide an extra arm until Nicasio is recalled Saturday.
The Rockies will make another round of moves with the pitching staff next week when Aaron Cook is expected to rejoin the team.
To answer in advance a question that may be asked: De La Rosa was placed on the 15-day DL not the 60-day because he didn’t need to be placed the 60-day yet. Rockies have two open spots on the 40-man roster and the immediate additions – Bruce Billings and Juan Nicasio – are already on the 40-man. When the Rockies need a roster spot, DLR will be transferred to the 60-day.
pre-emptive strike on your part Steve.
Billings is a nice story. He’s struggling a little now but hey, he can’t be worse than Felipe Paulino.