Wed, 12 Mar 2014 07:55:32 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Jordan Lyles is one of the arms competing for the open rotation spot that's likely to occur with Jhoulys Chacin (shoulder) injured. Lyles tossed three scoreless innings Tuesday, March 11, with four strikeouts. Lyles holds a 1.13 spring ERA and has made some adjustments with pitching coach Jim Wright. The right-hander has improved the angle on his fastball that may force more ground balls from opponents.

Fantasy Tip: If you have to dive into this SP pool, hold your nose. The competition also involves Franklin Morales and Christian Friedrich. Lyles once had a mildly intriguing pedigree but is in a tough situation to succeed, even with his grounder background. Tread carefully, NL-only poachers.

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| Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 12:35:40 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Christian Friedrich, who is likely to start at Class AAA this year, changed his foot placement on the rubber so that he's no longer throwing across his body on the mound. Friedrich's velocity this spring has been a topic of surprise from the coaching staff as a result. Friedrich may need to be a part of the rotation if SP Jhoulys Chacin (shoulder) is out longer than expected.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:04:54 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Juan Nicasio has gained his top-end velocity in the offseason while pitching in the Dominican Republic and due to the fact that he wasn't stuck rehabbing all winter. "I have power," Nicasio said. "I hit 98, 97 (mph). The lowest it was last year was 88 or 89, I think. You're going to see." However, SPs Franklin Morales, Jordan Lyles and Christian Friedrich are all fighting this spring to take away Nicasio's rotation spot.

Nicasio developed the reflex of pulling back his head at the end of his delivery ever since he was struck by a line drive that fractured his skull in August of 2011, and it led to a lack of finish to his fastball and robbed him of downward movement on his offspeed offerings. He also dealt with a knee injury for much of last season.

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| Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

Sat, 08 Feb 2014 20:46:50 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Christian Friedrich (back) is throwing bullpen sessions. He said he had to adjust his mechanics to compensate for the back issue.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:01:07 -0800

The Colorado Rockies exercised RP Matt Belisle's $4.25 million option for the 2014 season Monday, Nov. 4. There are no current plans to work out a long-term extension, however, but the team isn't looking to trade him. Belisle went 5-7 with a 4.32 ERA this year. The team also reinstated SP Christian Friedrich (back) from the 60-day disabled list.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 10:36:19 -0700

The Colorado Rockies placed SP Tyler Chatwood (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation Thursday, Aug. 8. In corresponding moves, they recalled P Jeff Manship from the minors and placed SP Christian Friedrich (back) on the 60-day DL. "Tyler threw a bullpen (Tuesday), really to test his hamstring," manager Walt Weiss said. "Then today he had inflammation in his elbow. Tyler has been really good. When it rains it pours. That's a guy you would love to run out there when we are struggling like we are."

Fantasy Tip: Chad Bettis could stay in the rotation now, or the team could turn to Jeff Francis to take Chatwood's spot. Bettis probably makes more sense, but he should only be an option in NL-only leagues.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Patrick Saunders

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:59:53 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Christian Friedrich (back) is making his way back from a sore lower back. He will finally pitch in a spring game Monday, March 18, and the plan is for him to throw two innings. He has been working on a changeup to complement his two-seam fastball.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Patrick Saunders

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:13:20 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Christian Friedrich (back) threw his third bullpen session of the spring Tuesday, March 5, as he works his way back from a stress fracture in his back that cut his season short last year. He was scheduled for 50 pitches with rest in between the first 25 throws. Friedrich might pitch in a simulated game Friday, March 8. "The arm's been healthy the whole time. It's just making sure we're taking it step-by-step, which is good and cautious, but my patience is tested," he said.

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| Source: MLB.com - Owen Perkins

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:29:44 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Christian Friedrich (back, neck) is scheduled to throw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Feb. 27. He will throw another bullpen session this week before throwing live batting practice. He could pitch in a spring training game next week if he does not have any setbacks.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:07:05 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Christian Friedrich (back, neck) is not on the Cactus League pitching schedule. He is recovering from a stress fracture in his lower back, and back soreness and neck stiffness which delayed him recently. He said Friday, Feb. 22, he is feeling much better, and is pushing to get back on the mound.

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| Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding