The Colorado Rockies announced on Monday afternoon that pitcher Alan Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, while pitcher Clayton Mortensen was brought up to complete the move .Mortensen will have a short stay with the Rockies as he is around to provide long relief for the club, until Ubaldo Jimenez is activated off the disabled list on Tuesday.
Johnson was recalled last week to make a spot start for the Rockies after they had a doubleheader on Thursday. Not wanting any starter to go on three days' rest, Johnson made his big league debut on Sunday afternoon against the Cubs. A huge success to finally see the majors after joining the organization as an undrafted free agent in 20065, Johnson made it through four innings and allowed five runs. He took a no-decision in the win.
Mortensen, acquired in the offseason from the Oakland Athletics for prospect Ethan Hollingsworth, has made two starts for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox. However, the results have not been pretty so far: 12 earned runs in four innings pitched.