Rockies evaluating pitching staff moves

DENVER -- The Rockies are contemplating the chain reaction of roster decisions that will come when they activate right-hander Tyler Chatwood, most likely to start on Sunday against the Giants at AT&T Park.

Chatwood, who began to establish himself in 2013 when he went 8-5 with a 3.15 ERA in 20 starts after beginning the year at Triple-A Colorado Springs, sustained a slight left hamstring strain during his final Spring Training start. He struck out eight and gave up five hits in 6 1/3 innings for Colorado Springs at Round Rock in an rehab start on Tuesday night.

Right-hander Jordan Lyles replaced Chatwood and is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA, and appears to have earned more starts. Lefty Franklin Morales (0-1, 6.94 ERA) has a history of relief pitching, which means the Rockies will have to make a corresponding move either with a reliever or with a position player. They went from 13 pitchers to 12 on Wednesday by optioning righty Wilton Lopez to Colorado Springs and recalling infielder Josh Rutledge.

Manager Walt Weiss said the club will evaluate Chatwood before activating him. He allowed that Lyles has forced the issue.

"When a guy performs well, it's a bottom-line business," Weiss said. "We'll take all that into consideration, what's the best setup for our club."