Rockies put Corpas on DL with elbow trouble, recall Deduno, Morales to help bullpen

Rockies put Corpas on DL, recall Deduno, Morales

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have placed reliever Manuel Corpas on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

The Rockies also said Friday that reliever Rafael Betancourt, struggling with a lower abdominal strain, is likely unavailable until Saturday. To fortify the bullpen, Colorado recalled pitchers Samuel Deduno and Franklin Morales from the minors.

Deduno had been starting at Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he was 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA. He was brought up to replace Corpas in a long relief role.

Corpas relieved starter Esmil Rogers in the second inning Wednesday against Atlanta but had to leave the game in the fourth due to injury. Colorado’s medical staff diagnosed Corpas with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, and he will get a second opinion Tuesday when he visits Dr. Lewis Yocum, a noted orthopedic surgeon based in Anaheim, Calif.

Colorado also placed second baseman Clint Barmes on the bereavement list so he could return home to Vincinnes, Ind., to be with his ailing father. Barmes is expected to rejoin the Rockies in San Francisco on Monday, at which time a roster move will have to be made.

Morales, a left-hander, went 3-0 with a 2.67 ERA in 24 games at Colorado Springs. When Barmes returns Monday, the Rockies will have three second basemen. They are likely to option Jonathan Herrera to Colorado Springs, at least until rosters expand Sept. 1.

Corpas, who is 3-5 with a 4.62 ERA and 10 saves in 56 games, has pitched in a variety of relief roles this year. He’s been dealing with elbow soreness throughout the season and could face Tommy John surgery at some point to repair his worn ligament.