keith weiser

In his first start at Colorado Springs since being optioned on Monday, Clayton Mortensen allowed nine runs in three innings and was on the losing end of an 18-13 slugfest Wednesday.

Third baseman Nolan Arenado was 3-for-6 with two home runs, five RBI and three runs scored in a 12-3 Modesto win. In his past 10 games, Arenado is hitting .410 (16-for-39) with three home runs, four doubles and 18 RBI.

The Colorado Rockies made their first cuts Sunday, reassigning 14 players — mostly pitchers — to their minor league camp. The most successful among the group this spring has been outfielder Cole Carner, who hit .375 with three doubles in 12 spring games.

Two candidates for the Colorado Rockies’ wide-open fifth starter job will be on display Saturday. Clayton Mortensen will pitch against the Padres in the first of two split-squad games for the Rockies. Greg Reynolds will start the second game against the Diamondbacks.

The Colorado Rockies have invited minor-league pitchers Alan Johnson, a 27-year-old right-hander, and Keith Weiser, a 26-year-old left-hander to their major-league camp.

Colorado Rockies Double-A affiliate loses no-hitter at Arkansas, dropping record to 6-14

Five starting pitchers accounted for 155 of the Colorado Rockies’ 162 starts in 2009, unheard of stability for a franchise whose pitching staff at times has been one of baseball’s most tired jokes. The Rockies likely will see one change in their starting rotation in 2010, and that to welcome back an old friend.

Left-hander one of six non-roster prospects who will participate in first major-league camp.

McKenry, Roe, Escalona, Nicasio and Alburquerque get coveted roster spots

Only Christian Friedrich and Keith Weiser stand out among left-handed starting pitchers in the minor league system, hardly a new development for an organization that has produced just one homegrown lefty 10-game winner.

At the opening of minor-league camp, it looks like Double-A Tulsa should start the season with a host of prospects in the rotation.