Rockies option pair of veteran players, 25 man roster taking shape

In preparation for trimming the roster down to 25 players before Sunday’s deadline, the Rockies have opted for other talent over some of their key players from 2014.

Colorado has sent both LHP Rex Brothers and OF Brandon Barnes to the minors. Brothers has long been thought to be the closer of the future for the Rockies, but struggled in 74 games in 2014 with a career high 5.59 era in 59 innings pitched.

Barnes played in 132 games for the Rockies last year and may not have done tremendous things at the plate, but impressed with his defense and base running ability.

With these moves its likely the Rockies will keep IF Rafael Ynoa on the 25 man roster as well as RHP Rafael Betancourt.  Betancourt has made the long road back from Tommy John surgery, and will return to the Rockies bullpen in a likely set-up role for LaTroy Hawkins. Betancourt injured his elbow in 2013 pitching for the Rockies, but has posted a 1.08 ERA this spring in nine appearances.

Currently the Rockies Active roster has 27 players on it.

C Nick Hundley, Michael McKenry

1B Justin Morneau, Wilin Rosario

2B DJ Lemahieu, Daniel Descalso

3B Nolan Arenado, Rafael Ynoa

SS Troy Tulowitzki

LF Corey Dickerson

CF Charlie Blackmon, Drew Stubbs

RF Carlos Gonzalez

SP (LHP) Jorge De La Rosa*, (RHP) Eddie Butler*, (RHP) David Hale*, (RHP) Kyle Kendrick, (RHP) Jordan Lyles, (LHP) Tyler Matzek, (RHP) Christian Bergman

RP (RHP) John Axford, (RHP) Rafael Betancourt, (RHP) Brooks Brown, (LHP) Christian Friedrich, (RHP) LaTroy Hawkins, (LHP) Boone Logan, (RHP) Adam Ottavino

De La Rosa, Butler, and David Hale all may start the season on the disabled list, which would leave one active roster spot still up for grabs.

Chad Bettis could be added to the roster to work out of the bullpen until he is needed to be the teams fifth starter in mid April, but with seven men in the bullpen already the Rockies could opt for an extra bat on the bench as well. OF Kyle Parker hit .302 in 22 Cactus League games but for now has already been reassigned to the minors.