DENVER -- Bill Schmidt boiled down his assignment as the Rockies’ interim general manager as “getting everybody pulling on the rope in the same direction,” and he added that he would like to be considered as the full-time replacement for Jeff Bridich, who stepped down on April 26.

Schmidt, 61, who has run the Rockies' MLB Draft since 2000 and had been scouting director since '07, said in his first press conference since being named interim GM on Monday that he “wouldn’t use the term rebuild.” However, when asked if it would be difficult to trade key players -- many of whom he presided over selecting -- he said, “At the appropriate time, we’ll make the best decisions for the Colorado Rockies.”

With the Rockies 11-19 going into Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Giants, speculation will center on dealing veterans to restock for the future. Schmidt said he hasn’t had a meeting about trades involving shortstop Trevor Story, likely Colorado’s most coveted player. Schmidt’s immediate role has been to bring stability to an organization that has struggled on the field and, given the off-field changes, within its baseball operations.

“There's a lot of good people, first and foremost, that are involved with the Colorado Rockies,” Schmidt said. “So we've just got to get back to the process where there's trust and communication.”

After postseason trips in 2017 and '18, the Rockies faltered. Big-dollar free-agent decisions did not work, and the unhappiness of star third baseman Nolan Arenado hung over the team until he was traded to the Cardinals on Feb. 1. The move was unpopular with fans, and analysts and pundits have criticized the team because of its on-field struggles, its unsuccessful moves and its low-rated farm system.

Schmidt disputed the farm system's poor rating.

The Rockies have had recent starting pitching struggles, but their homegrown core was one reason they went to back-to-back postseasons, as well as why they believe they have a bright future. Story and outfielder Charlie Blackmon became stars after coming through the organization, and left fielder Raimel Tapia and infielder Ryan McMahon have made strides this year.

Yet the Rockies' struggles are in part because their roster has been turned over to mostly homegrown products. Five players have made their Major League debut over Colorado's first 30 games.

Schmidt is not conceding that the group on the way is bereft of talent or potential stars.

“I’d like to think we have some good players coming,” Schmidt said. “Losing some playing time last year at the Minor League level affected some guys.

“I know what the rankings say. I’ve talked to some of the people that did the rankings and said they might not look real good at the end of the season once guys play, because if you go back to the ’19 Draft and the ’20 Draft, a lot of these guys haven’t played a lot, and they might be a little bit better players than some people think.”

For Wednesday’s game, eight of the nine players in the lineup and 16 overall (counting Jhoulys Chacín, a 2004 signing out of Venezuela who returned to the club after time with six other teams) were original Rockies draftees or signees. While the team's record isn’t a ringing endorsement, and the personnel running the club now and in the future will have to determine if those players will have to be used not just for the big league club but in deals to shore up weak areas, Schmidt said Colorado has to understand that development must always be a strength.

“I’d like to think some bright days are in the future," Schmidt said. "There are some good players here. There are some good people here. Hopefully there is some trust.

“At the end of the day, I realize we need to win games.”

Mujica up
Germán Márquez’s poor start in Tuesday’s 12-4 loss to the Giants in the doubleheader opener forced long reliever Chacín to throw 41 pitches over 3 1/3 innings. To protect the pitching staff for the next few days, the Rockies recalled right-hander José Mujica from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned outfielder Sam Hilliard, who will continue much-needed adjustments to his hitting at Albuquerque.

While the promotion is short term, manager Bud Black likes what Mujica -- signed before last season, after he recovered from a right elbow injury that he sustained while with the Rays -- can offer. Mujica was forced into action for two relief appearances in 2020 (14.54 ERA), but he has been endorsed by the organization's coaches and Márquez for his ability and toughness.

“He has the stuff, delivery, durability and stamina to be a starter in the Major Leagues, and that’s how we’re going to pitch him in the Minors,” Black said. “He could very well go back to Albuquerque soon, and he’ll go back into their rotation with a fastball 92-93 mph, touches 94, and there might be a little more in there as time goes on. He’s only [24] years old.

“He’s got a good feel for a changeup. That is his best stuff, a fastball-curveball combination, and he’s got an improving breaking ball.”

Senzatela on track
Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, on the 10-day injured list with a slight right groin strain, will throw a bullpen session in St. Louis on Friday and is in line to start Monday against the Padres at Coors Field.