In a series of somewhat expected moves today, Alfredo Amezaga has been promoted to the MLB roster while Clayton Mortensen has been optioned to AAA Colorado Springs.
The moves come on the wings of a recently further-shortened bench that has taken its hits with the demotion of Ian Stewart and the recent injury of Ty Wigginton.
This morning, we surmised that Wigginton might take a trip to the DL. Instead, Wigginton is going to perform field surgery on himself with a Leatherman and a bottle of Old Grandad's in lieu of said DL visit. Troy Renck referred to him as "tougher than truck stop jerky".
In the meantime, Alan Johnson may be a casualty of all of these roster moves. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, Johnson will be Designated For Assignment. Should he clear waivers, the Rockies will outright him to AAA Colorado Springs as they prepare for the inevitable blockbuster that brings Roy Halladay to Colorado.
So for those of you keeping score at home:
Clayton Mortensen will be optioned from MLB to AAA, creating a slot on the 25-man roster.
Alan Johnson will be DFA'd, creating a slot on the 40-man roster.
Alfredo Amezaga will have his AAA contract bought out, placing him on the 40-man roster, and then will be promoted to MLB, placing him on the 25-man roster.
Really, this move made the most sense. The outfield has been a bit short lately and the infield needs a backup. Amezaga can do both of those things, and he can also make a pretty good stir fry on a moments' notice.
Somewhere, Chris Nelson is throwing a water cooler across a room and Cole Garner is beginning to draw up plans for his Doomsday device.