Using starters in 'pen causes rotation shuffle

CHICAGO -- Rockies left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek reported feeling no worse for the wear Wednesday, roughly a day and a half after his impromptu relief appearance late Tuesday night.

Matzek was scheduled to pitch Thursday against the Rockies, but he entered in the 16th on Tuesday, and was the losing pitcher in the 4-3 loss to the Cubs. Rockies manager Walt Weiss said the Rockies will re-insert Matzek into the rotation. That could happen Saturday against the Tigers, since Saturday's scheduled starter, lefty Yohan Flande, threw 1 2/3 scoreless relief innings in Thursday afternoon's 3-1 loss to the Cubs.

"I think I'm fine; it was just a normal short bullpen for me -- an extra bullpen between starts for me," said Matzek, who had thrown a bullpen session on Monday. "I've always been really durable. It felt fine that night and it feels fine now."

The Rockies had to purchase the contract of left-handed pitcher Pedro Hernandez from Triple-A Colorado Springs and designate corner infielder Ryan Wheeler for assignment to make the move.

There are plenty of options for the rotation going forward. Righty Jordan Lyles, out since June 4 with a broken left hand, will make his second and possibly final injury rehab start Thursday night for Colorado Springs.