Chatwood scratched from Wednesday start

MIAMI -- The season is just beginning and the Rockies' pitching depth is already being tested.

The club announced before Monday's opener that right-hander Tyler Chatwood will not make his start on Wednesday night because of a slight left hamstring strain. Right-hander Jordan Lyles will be summoned to Miami to replace him.

The Rockies did not immediately announce that Chatwood is going to the 15-day disabled list, but that's likely. Chatwood (8-5, 3.15 ERA last season in 20 starts) suffered the injury running the bases against the Mariners on Friday. He said the next day he didn't expect the injury to knock him out of his start, and he threw a normal bullpen session on Sunday. However, Chatwood's leg bothered him while running on the dirt in spikes, and the Rockies decided to scratch him and limit the risk of a long-term injury.

"I don't think you ever want to miss time, so I don't think it's for the best -- I want to be out there competing with my teammates," said Chatwood, who plans to throw off the mound Tuesday to stay sharp. "Especially in the opening series, you want to be out there. But it's something you can't really control now. Just get better and try to get back on the mound.

"I lobbied, but if I'm not going to be able to run or cover first base, I'm hurting the team."

The club can backdate Chatwood's placement on the 15-day disabled list to Saturday, which would have him eligible to return April 13 against the Giants, which would mean he'd miss just two starts.

Lyles, 23, acquired in a trade with the Astros during the offseason, is 14-29 with a 5.35 ERA in parts of three big league seasons. Lyles went 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA in Spring Training, and he just missed out on the fifth-starter spot.

The Rockies begin the year with two starters injured. Righty Jhoulys Chacin is out until late April at the earliest, but it could be mid-May because of a right shoulder strain. Lefty Franklin Morales beat out Lyles for Chacin's slot.