Rockies Activate RHP Rafael Betancourt from 15-day Disabled List

DENVER - The Colorado Rockies announced today that the club has activated right-handed pitcher Rafael Betancourt from the 15-day disabled list. To make room for Betancourt, the Rockies have optioned right-handed pitcher Juan Nicasio to Triple-A. Betancourt (#63) will be available for tonight's game vs. San Francisco (6:40 p.m. MDT) at Coors Field.

Betancourt, 38, appeared in 22 games for the Rockies this season finishing 20 games and collecting 11 saves in 12 opportunities before being placed on the disabled list with a right groin strain. At the time of his placement on the disabled list, his 11 saves were tied for seventh in the National League while his 20 games finished were tied for second. He converted 10-straight save opportunities to begin the season going 1-1 with a 1.65 ERA (16.1 ip, 3 er) over his first 17 games. Since being acquired from Cleveland on July 23, 2009, he has converted on 52 of his 70 save opportunities and has a 2.97 ERA (227.1 ip, 75 er).

Nicasio, 26, made his second consecutive Opening Day roster this season and went 4-4 with a 5.31 ERA (81.1 ip, 48 er) in 16 starts. He went 4-1 with a 4.64 ERA (64.0 ip, 33 er), 23 walks and 43 strikeouts in 12 starts against National League teams. Over parts of three seasons with Colorado, Nicasio has 40 career starts and has gone 10-11 with a 4.91 ERA (211.0 ip, 115 er), 234 hits, 70 walks and 168 strikeouts.

The Rockies currently have a full 40-man roster.