LOS ANGELES -- Rockies manager Bud Black announced Friday that right-hander Tyler Chatwood will take the mound Sunday for the team's series finale against the Dodgers, emphasizing that he will be "starting" the game.
Against the Giants on Tuesday, Chatwood fired three scoreless innings and 61 pitches, and was followed by a string of eight relievers as the Rockies went to a 9-6 win.
Black is not necessarily committing to a starter for that spot in the rotation, saying he could see the team sticking with a plethora of relievers to work the bulk of those games.
"With expanded rosters, it could make it a little easier to spot-start a guy and not worry about the length of the start," Black said. "We'll have multiple reinforcements ready."
The Rockies are carrying 12 relievers, not including Chatwood. Black wants to make sure they can capitalize on Chatwood's peak effectiveness.
"Tyler's game is strong between 60-70 pitches," Black said. "Who knows, that could be five or six innings, depending on how effective he is."
Chatwood walked three and allowed four hits Tuesday. Chris Rusin was the only reliever to follow Chatwood with more than one inning, working 1 2/3 on his way to picking up the victory.
Rockies keeping tabs on Irma
The Rockies -- like most teams in the Majors -- have a collection of players with ties to Florida and are keeping tabs on Hurricane Irma.
Carlos Gonzalez and his family live in Orlando, Jake McGee has a home in Tampa, Gerardo Parra has a home in Miami and Ian Desmond was born and still lives in the Sarasota area.
"Yesterday, I had to rent a plane to get my family out," Gonzalez said. "I didn't want to take any chances when I'm on the road playing baseball and I don't know if they're going to be safe or not."