Last Updated on May 28, 2007 6:59 pm by admin
DENVER (AP) -Ryan Speier’s time up with the Colorado Rockies didn’t last long.
After the Rockies’ 6-2 win over St. Louis on Monday, Speier was optioned back to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for right-hander Rodrigo Lopez, who will be activated from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.
Lopez has been out since April 19 with a strained right elbow.
Speier was called up Monday morning when righty Josh Fogg went on the disabled list with a strained left groin. Speier didn’t pitch in Monday’s game.
Fogg was injured while running to first base on a bunt attempt in his start last Tuesday in Arizona. The move is retroactive to Wednesday. Fogg is 1-5 this season with a 4.53 ERA in 10 appearances.
Lopez said his arm felt fine and he’s looking forward to starting Tuesday night against St. Louis’ Braden Looper. Lopez was placed on the disabled list a day after his April 18 start against Los Angeles. Lopez pitched four innings before leaving with right elbow inflammation.
Lopez made two rehab starts at Colorado Springs, going 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA.
“It feels like it’s been a long time. I love to pitch and can’t wait,” Lopez said.
The Rockies called up the 27-year-old Speier for the second time this season. He was with the team from April 21-28 and had a 15.43 ERA in three appearances.
Speier had 12 saves and a 2.60 ERA with Colorado Springs this season. With Manny Corpas out of town until Wednesday to attend a funeral, manager Clint Hurdle said Speier was brought up to provide bullpen insurance.
“We didn’t want to be caught short, just in case,” Hurdle said before the game.