Rockies report: Rotation rotating

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 17, 2008 at 11:47 p.m.

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Photo by David Zalubowski ©: Associated Press

Rockies reliever Brian Fuentes delivers a pitch to Pirates batter Jose Bautista in the ninth inning Thursday night. Fuentes earned the 100th save of his career in closing a 5-3 win for the Rockies, who snapped a four-game losing streak.

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Right-hander Kip Wells will be activated from the disabled list Monday and start that night against the Dodgers at Coors Field.

Left-hander Mark Redman is in the bullpen for the time being, although a roster move will have to be made for Wells. It could be sending right-hander Ryan Speier back to Triple-A Colorado Springs because he has options, or it would mean putting a pitcher, such as Redman, on waivers.

After Aaron Cook threw 42 pitches in the All-Star Game his start was pushed back from Saturday to Sunday.

HEALING

Left-hander Jeff Francis (left shoulder inflammation) threw 50 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday and was given clearance to join Double-A Tulsa on a rehab assignment, where he will work with pitching coach Bo McLaughlin to get his mechanics in order.

"I've worked well with him in the past," Francis said. Francis will throw a bullpen session Saturday and make the first of at least two starts Monday.

First baseman Todd Helton felt some discomfort in his first workout since being sidelined by lower back inflammation, but trainer Keith Dugger said it was nothing unexpected. "It's going to take some time."

Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs was moving around for the first time in a week since being sidelined by a pulled muscle in his side.

IDEAS

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle and Red Sox manager Terry Francona will have a conference call today with major league officials, including Commissioner Bud Selig, to discuss some alternative plans for pitching in the All-Star Game now that Selig has mandated no game will end in a tie.

"I want to be an advocate, rather than a critic," said Hurdle, who would have had to use a position player if the game had gone any longer. "The idea is to win the game, but as a manager, you also are accountable for getting the player home safely to his own club. I think Terry and I can provide some insight."

ETC.

Right-hander Ian Snell will be facing the Rockies tonight for the first time in exactly one year, a game after which he accused Rockies players of stealing signs when they hit two homers and scored five runs off him in six innings at PNC Park. The next day, Snell called Rockies manager Clint Hurdle to apologize, and later told the media that he had been given misinformation and regretted the accusation. . . . Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki played shortstop for Double-A Tulsa in his second rehabilitation game on Thursday and was 1-for-5. He's 2-for-9 in his first two games. . . . Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said the original plan was to pitch Aaron Cook one inning - the seventh - in the All-Star Game, but with the score close, and knowing he might need a pitcher to give him extended work, he held Cook back. It was wise. Cook wound up working three innings. . . . The Pirates called up right-hander Mariano Salas and optioned right-hander Romulo Sanchez to Triple-A Indianapolis. . . . The Rockies have won seven consecutive games started against them by left-handed pitchers at Coors Field.

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