Jordan Lyles optioned to minors, Franklin Morales takes over as 5th starter, and Tommy Kahnle to bullpen

The Colorado Rockies announced on Friday evening before its penultimate spring training game that Jordan Lyles was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs and pitchers Jhoulys Chacin and Boone Logan were placed on the 15-day DL. This means that Franklin Morales has won the fifth starter spot and that Rule 5 draft pick Tommy Kahnle will open the season with the team.

Morales looked very sharp this spring, displaying an impressive command of his pitches that had been conspicuously absent during his first stint with the Rockies. While Lyles also had a solid camp, he's also still very young and could use some time in the Minors to hone his stuff.

Meanwhile, Citizen Kahnle (as I will now unilaterally decree we call him) turned heads this spring, working 9.2 phenomenal innings. He was parsimonious with walks and hits, and only gave up a single run.

This leaves only one lefty in the bullpen as of Opening Day, since Boone Logan officially hits the DL on Friday and Morales is now in the rotation. This should be temporary, but it could be an area of concern.

All in all, it's a smart use of assets to keep Kahnle around. And hopefully Franklin Morales 2.0 can give the Rockies a few solid starts as Jhoulys Chacin works his way back.