The Rockies have designated right-hander David Hale for assignment, the club announced. His roster spot will go to fellow right-hander Gonzalez Germen, whose contract was selected.
Colorado also announced several other pitching moves. Starter Jon Gray has been activated from the DL, as expected, and will make his first start of the year tonight. Heading onto the DL is young reliever Miguel Castro, who is suffering from shoulder soreness that isn’t reportedly a significant concern, per Nick Groke of the Denver Post. Righty Carlos Estevez is moving up to the active roster to take the place of lefty Jason Gurka, who will remain on the 40-man on optional assignment.
Hale came to the Rockies via trade before the 2015 campaign. The 28-year-old had allowed three earned runs in his two innings of relief work on the year. He also struggled at the major league level last year, when he functioned as a swingman.
As for Germen, who is also 28, he’ll look to stick on the staff this time around after being moved as much as any player in baseball in recent years. He contributed 32 2/3 frames out of the Colorado pen last year, sporting a decent 3.86 ERA but also posting 6.9 K/9 against 5.8 BB/9, but is off to a nice start at Triple-A. Over his six innings, Germen has yet to allow an earned run and has seven strikeouts against just one walk.
What happened to Gurka exactly…?
Got optioned because he’s been REALLY bad.
Gonzalez Germen. Love his name. He’s the pitcher equivalent of Adam Dunn: most plate appearances end up being a walk, a strikeout or a home run (in the case of Germen, a homer allowed).