Prospect Hoffman could start Saturday
Ranked No. 2 in Rox system, right-hander made season debut Tuesday vs. Cubs
DENVER -- Prospect Jeff Hoffman is "in the mix" to make a spot start on Saturday against the Dodgers, Rockies manager Bud Black acknowledged on Wednesday.
Hoffman, ranked No. 2 in Colorado's system per MLBPipeline.com, went 2-2 with a 3.71 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Albuquerque before being called up as the allotted 26th man for Tuesday's doubleheader nightcap against the Cubs. The 24-year-old right-hander threw the Rockies' final 1 1/3 innings, striking out two and giving up one hit -- a Kristopher Bryant home run -- in Colorado's 8-1 loss.
Lefty long reliever Chris Rusin could also get the nod. Black said he could announce a decision as soon as after Wednesday's game. The rainout on Monday and doubleheader on Tuesday left Saturday's start open.
Worth noting
• Rockies catcher Tony Wolters, who sustained a concussion last Wednesday, swung in the batting cage on Wednesday -- his first baseball activity since the injury. Wolters is on the seven-day concussion disabled list. Black said he will discuss with Wolters whether he will go to the Minors for game action before the team considers activating him.
"I feel like a baseball player, not doing things like sitting around, getting bored for the last days," said Wolters, who is batting .346 through 17 games. "I can work on my craft and get better. There are no symptoms. I feel good, feel like a normal human being. I'm ready to get out there."