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First pitch, August 18

Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 18, 2007 at midnight

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KID'S STUFF

Left-handed pitcher Franklin Morales makes his major league debut tonight, against the Dodgers, filling the void created by the loss of right-hander Jason Hirsh (fractured fibula). Morales, ranked the top pitching prospect in the organization last winter, started the season at Double-A Tulsa, then made three starts at Triple-A Colorado Springs before getting the call.

"It's an opportunity to give him some experience he can't get anywhere else," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We can put five guys in the rotation for a couple of times and get some stability back in the rotation."

Hurdle said Elmer Dessens, who made his Rockies debut Thursday in place of injured Aaron Cook (pulled left rib cage muscle), will remain a starter.

ROSTER SHUFFLE

The Rockies are going with a 13-man pitching staff to provide bullpen depth because of uncertainty in the rotation. Infielder Clint Barmes was optioned to Colorado Springs after the game Friday to open a roster spot for Morales.

The decision came down to Barmes, who can play everywhere except catcher and pitcher, or rookie Ian Stewart, a left-handed power hitter off the bench.

Right-handed pitcher Ramon Ortiz, acquired from Minnesota earlier in the week, joined the Rockies, and right-hander Ramon Ramirez was sent back to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Ortiz worked 1 1/3 innings of relief Friday night.

HE SAID IT

"I don't know where that would come from. His agent called (Thursday) and we told him we had no interest."

Dan O'Dowd, Rockies general manager, who was surprised to hear of reports that the Rockies showed interest in signing veteran left-hander David Wells, who was released by San Diego.