Belisle, Rockies exercise mutual contract option

DENVER -- The Rockies and right-handed relief pitcher Matt Belisle -- one of two Major League pitchers to have appeared in 70 or more games each of the last four seasons -- have exercised their mutual contract option for 2014 worth $4.25 million, the club announced Monday.

Belisle, 33, went 5-7 with a 4.32 ERA in 72 contests in 2013. The reliever signed with the Rockies before the 2009 season, and his 302 appearances since the start of the 2010 season are the most of any pitcher in the Majors. Belisle's appearances last season were second most on the Rockies to Wilton Lopez's 75.

With both sides exercising their options, the Rox have six players eligible for free agency: righty reliever Manny Corpas, whom the team is looking to re-sign; left-handed pitcher Jeff Francis, catcher Yorvit Torrealba, right-handed pitcher Roy Oswalt, who has said he would like to return; retired first baseman Todd Helton ; and right-handed closer Rafael Betancourt, who is expected to miss 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

Also on Monday, the club reinstated left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich from the 60-day disabled list. By exercising Belisle's option and activating Friedrich -- who didn't pitch in the Majors all year because of a back injury -- the Rockies have 32 players on their 40-man Major League roster.