DENVER -- Rookie right-hander Antonio Senzatela will start Wednesday in Kansas City, but it remains unclear how long he'll stay in the rotation.
Rockies manager Bud Black did not commit to using Senzatela beyond his start against the Royals. Senzatela is starting in place of fellow rookie Jeff Hoffman, who was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.
"It depends what you define as 'rotation.' [Senzatela is] starting Wednesday," Black said. "The main idea of him moving to the 'pen was rest for the arm, and a little bit of performance, too. He had a great April, life [on fastball] was OK and then we saw a little bit of drop in his stuff. … If we didn't think that he could help us, he'd be in the Minors."
Senzatela, who has thrown 116 1/3 innings this season after tossing just 34 2/3 in Double-A last year, made the Opening Day rotation but has moved back and forth from the bullpen since June 22. The righty has used the time to regain the life on his fastball and improve his breaking pitches, he said earlier this week.
For now, Senzatela said he will enjoy starting again. His last start came Aug. 9 against the Indians, giving up two runs in five innings.
"I feel really good," Senzatela said. "I'm just gonna go out and try to compete every time for my team and try to pitch some good innings for them."
Worth noting
• Tyler Chatwood, another starter who has moved to the bullpen, is finding success in his new role. Even though he's only made two relief appearances, Black is encouraged by what he's seen from the right-hander.
"I've said this all year, his bona fides are good. No matter how you put it. I've said that in April and May, his bona fides are outstanding," Black said. "He's got weapons. He's got bona fides. And he can play in the big leagues. Now, his bona fides have gotta get over the plate, he's gotta have bona fides in big counts. But you cannot deny the bona fides, they're legit bona fides.
"It's real stuff, and if he harnesses it in the rotation or out of the bullpen, it's good for the Rockies."