Top prospect Gray on radar to make debut

PITTSBURGH -- Rockies right-handed prospect Jon Gray has given up just one run, and it was unearned, in 11 2/3 innings over his last two starts at Double-A Tulsa.

Although it's likely lefty Yohan Flande, who was 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in three starts during an earlier stint with the Rockies, will fill an open rotation spot on Tuesday against the Nationals, manager Walt Weiss said Gray is on his radar to make his debut this season.

Gray, ranked as the Rockies' No. 1 prospect by MLB.com, was Colorado's top Draft pick, third overall, out of Oklahoma last year.

"I think he's still in the picture this season, but he's in his first full season in the Minor Leagues," Weiss said. "He's making some progress. His last outing in particular was very good.

"I check his stat line and all that stuff. For the most part, we rely on our player development people. Just the fact that he's a big hoss, he's got a real good arm and he's a power pitcher, those are things to be excited about. Those things play up here, too."