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Rockies call up De Los Santos to make spot start; Speier sent down

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 28, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
Updated July 28, 2008 at 2:12 p.m.

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Colorado Rockies pitcher Valerio De Los Santos made his major league debut on the mound Monday.

Photo by Gene J. Puskar ©: AP

Colorado Rockies pitcher Valerio De Los Santos made his major league debut on the mound Monday.

PITTSBURGH — Unable to work a trade during the weekend, the Rockies called up left-hand pitcher Valerio de los Santos to start tonight's game against the Pirates at PNC Park. Right-handed reliever Ryan Speier, who has an option remaining so he can be sent to the minor leagues without being exposed to waivers, was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs for the third time this season to make room for de los Santos.

With left-hander Jeff Francis expected to make one more medical rehab start at Double-A Tulsa before being returned to the big-league roster, de los Santos could earn a second start if he pitches well tonight. If not, the Rockies will have to consider other alternatives including a possible trade.

De los Santos is in his 16th professional season, and has spent parts of eight previous seasons in the big leagues with Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Toronto and Florida. He is 9-12 with a 4.54 ERA in the big leagues, but has made only two starts in 233 appearances. Tonight will be his first big-league start since April 9, 2000, when he was with the Milwaukee Brewers.

He was 3-5 with a 4.92 ERA with Triple-A Colorado Springs this year, appearing in 17 games, including seven starts. He was 0-4 with a 6.62 ERA in the seven starts.