Major League Baseball

Rockies recall Amezaga, option Mortensen

Published Apr. 30, 2011 12:28 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

With infielder Ty Wigginton hampered by an oblique strain, the Colorado Rockies on Friday recalled Alfredo Amezaga from their Triple-A affiliate in Colorado Springs.

The Rockies made room for Amezaga, 33, by optioning right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen to Colorado Springs. In a separate move, the Rockies designated right-hander Alan Johnson for assignment.

Wigginton strained his oblique muscle Tuesday when he slid into a base during a game at Chicago. Rockies manager Jim Tracy said the injury is not believed to be serious. Wigginton could be available for pinch-hitting duty over the weekend against Pittsburgh and possibly return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday, when the Rockies begin a six-game road trip at Arizona, Tracy said.

However, the Rockies decided to bring up Amezaga, who can play the infield as well as all three outfield positions, to make sure the team doesn't get caught short-handed in the coming days in the event of late-game personnel switches or an extra-inning game.

Amezaga, who was hitting .364 in 17 games with the Sky Sox, is back in the major leagues for the first time since 2009 when he was with the Florida Marlins. A switch-hitter, Amezaga has played for four teams in eight big league seasons and has a career batting average of .251. He spent time with Anaheim (2002-04), Pittsburgh (2005) and Florida (2006-09) and also appeared previously in two games for the Rockies in 2005.

Mortensen, 25, pitched eight scoreless innings in two relief appearances for the Rockies, including a six-inning outing April 18 against the San Francisco Giants. But work for the reliever has been sporadic and the Rockies want Mortensen to be able to pitch on a more consistent basis.

In addition, a rainout Wednesday at Chicago, along with off days for the Rockies on Thursday and this Monday allowed the team to push back No. 5 starter Esmil Rogers' next start to Saturday, May 7, at San Francisco. In the interim, Rogers will be used out of the bullpen, Tracy said.

Johnson, 27, allowed five runs with three walks and three strikeouts against the Chicago Cubs on April 17 in his major league debut before being optioned to Colorado Springs the following day.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball