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Injured Julio is left off roster

Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 4, 2007 at midnight

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PHILADELPHIA - The questions about right-handed pitcher Jorge Julio's recent struggles were answered Wednesday.

Julio was left off the Rockies' 25-man roster for the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies because of a strained trapezius muscle, manager Clint Hurdle said.

"He was disappointed but understands," Hurdle said. "I need a healthy Jorge Julio. It's just like Willy (Taveras, center fielder). For two months, Julio was the bridge to our closer and a big part of our success."

Julio, acquired in May from Florida, had a 3.93 ERA in 58 appearances with the Rockies but allowed 11 earned runs in his final 16 appearances, including a two-run home run in the 13th inning of the Rockies' 9-8 win against the San Diego Padres in the wild-card tiebreaker Monday.

Because they had eight players on the disabled list Aug. 31, the Rockies had the option to shuffle their postseason roster and add players to the 25-man roster who were in the farm system but not in the majors at that Aug. 31 deadline.

They added left-handed pitchers Franklin Morales, who will start Game 2 today, and Mark Redman, who can pitch in relief or start Game 4 instead of Josh Fogg, as well as right-handed reliever Ryan Speier and outfielder Seth Smith.

To make room for them, Julio, infielder Clint Barmes, Taveras and right-handed pitcher Elmer Dessens were left off the roster.

Dessens, Taveras and right- handed pitcher Aaron Cook are working out in the Arizona Instructional League in case the Rockies advance to the NL Championship Series.

Smith, who made his major league debut in September, became a key left-handed bat off the bench for the Rockies. He was 5-for-7 with a triple in a pinch-hit role.

Redman helped his cause by pitching five shutout innings in relief Sept. 12 in Philadelphia.