:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30008963/20140224_mse_sz6_735.0.jpg)
All of the chatter about Tyler Matzek possibly being a candidate for the Rockies' 25-man roster out of spring training can officially be put to rest, at least for now.
Colorado on Thursday optioned Matzek, Rosell Herrera and three others to the minors in the team's first round of 40-man roster cuts this spring. A case for Matzek to begin the season with the big-league club had been building some steam after he got off to a strong start in Cactus League play, but his four-walk, no-out performance in the ninth inning against the Reds on Wednesday showed that he isn't ready for that step.
Matzek allowed only one earned run in six innings of work this spring while issuing six walks and notching seven strikeouts.
Herrera, who is widely regarded as one of the four or five best prospects in the organization, had a nice showing in limited action. The 21-year-old shortstop went 5-for-12 at the plate with a triple and scored a couple of runs.
The Rockies also optioned left-handers Jayson Aquino and Kraig Sitton and right-hander Raul Fernandez. All five players will have two option years remaining beyond 2014.