Rockies LHP Tyler Matzek will begin rehab assignment with Short-Season-A Boise

Colorado Rockies left-hander Tyler Matzek is about to begin what could be a long, complicated journey back to the big leagues.

Matzek will return to action this week, starting a rehab assignment with the Boise Hawks -- the Rockies' Short-Season-A affiliate -- according to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. The appearance will be Matzek's first in more than a month. The 24-year-old southpaw walked seven batters in an inning of work for Triple-A Albuquerque after the Rockies optioned him in early May. Colorado's brass deactivated Matzek after the abysmal outing.

Matzek started the season at the big league level and was able to work around major control issues, posting a 4.09 ERA (111 ERA+) despite issuing 7.8 walks per nine innings. That came after the 2009 first-round draft pick ended his first big league season, 2014, with a 4.05 ERA (105 ERA+) and just 3.4 walks per nine.

Expectations were huge for Matzek entering 2015 as a result of an impressive finish to his rookie campaign. The Mission Viejo, Calif. native compiled a 2.53 ERA with 52 strikeouts and just 19 walks in 53⅓ innings over his final eight starts.

Changes at Purple Row

Daily Rockpiles (such as this one you're reading now) -- as well as Pebble Reports and quick game recaps -- won't be spending much time on the cover in the future as a result of an increase in better, more thought-provoking content. But don't worry: our daily staples will still be easy to track down. With a quick scroll past the cover, you'll find the Rockpile, Pebble Report and Rockies Quick Game Recaps sections pinned to the front page. The newest post will be shown in the upper left-hand side of the box.

Seems easy enough, right? It is. Regardless, feel free to email me (bryan.c.kilpatrick@gmail.com) if you have any questions or concerns.

Links

Saunders: Best baseball is on memory lane - The Denver Post
The Rockies' top beat writer for the Post hasn't forgotten why he fell in love with baseball in the first place despite the challenges he faces while covering a losing team on a daily basis. This is a good read.

Blackmon getting hot while adjusting at plate | rockies.com
It seems like every few weeks, we're either talking about a long slump or extended hot streak for Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon. He's quickly becoming known for being one of the streakiest hitters in the game.

Why didn't Walt Weiss allow Carlos Gonzalez to hit in the ninth inning? - Purple Row
At the end of the day, not a lot is -- or, rather, should be -- asked of a big league manager. The person in that position should be good at two things: managing egos in the clubhouse and putting the team in the best position to win on the field. Weiss seems to do OK at the former, but he's really struggled at times to grasp the latter. Look no further than last night for proof of that.

St. Louis Cardinals Investigated by F.B.I. for Hacking Astros - The New York Times
The Cardinals are the Patriots. I knew it all along! In all seriousness, every team does something to get an advantage on the competition, but hacking has to be a new one. It will be interesting to see where this goes -- and even more interesting if the Cards and Astros meet in the World Series.

Why Bud Black was fired for things he couldn't control - SBNation.com
The Padres weren't really built all that well coming in to this season, but that didn't stop A.J. Preller and company from firing one of the best managers in the game anyway. Need a job, Bud? I can think of a team that could use you...

Blogpile

Good Contact means Good Cargo | Rockies Zingers Colorado Rockies Baseball
Adam Peterson analyzes what makes Carlos Gonzalez, who -- REMEMBER! -- wasn't used at all last night despite the Rockies having the tying run at the plate on multiple occasions, successful on offense.

Two Blind Colorado Rockies Fans Put The Game Into Perspective - Rox Pile
Bobby DeMuro explains how the Post can find success in a new era of media: by continuing to run pieces like Benjamin Hochman's forthcoming nine-part series on baseball fandom in Colorado.

Walt Weiss may not be the right man for the Colorado Rockies - BSN Denver
Monday night's loss is more proof that Weiss shouldn't be at the helm of these Rockies, writes David Martin.