SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Colorado Rockies announced a flurry of roster moves today as Spring Training begins to wind down. First, they traded outfielder Mike Tauchman to the Yankees for left-handed pitcher Phillip Diehl. Next, Bud Black announced that reliever Carlos Estévez and infielder Pat Valaika had both been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, and Brett Nicholas was sent to minor league camp in the likelihood that he will be released. More to come on Nicholas. On the flip side, reliever DJ Johnson, first baseman Mark Reynolds, and outfielder Raimel Tapia will all be on the the Opening Day 25-man roster.
With all of these moves, that leaves two spots left to fill. The first one is for the final bullpen spot, which is winding down to Harrison Musgrave and Jeff Hoffman. Musgrave is likely to win the spot as a long reliever, and Hoffman is still in camp mostly as insurance in case of injury to a starter before Opening Day. The second spot is behind the plate, with Chris Iannetta, Tony Wolters, and Tom Murphy all fighting for two spots. Iannetta and Wolters did the bulk of the catching last year and Murphy is out of minor league options and would have to clear waivers before he can be sent to Triple-A.
Today marks the final home game for the Cactus League Rockies before they depart to Albuquerque on Monday and then on to Florida to play the Twins on Tuesday and open against the 2019 regular season against the Marlins Thursday.