The first roster move to fall into place after Jorge De La Rosa's torn UCL is the promotion of Triple-A reliever Bruce Billings, reports the Denver Post's Troy Renck. Billings will serve in a long relief role for his first stint in the majors.
Billings was select out of San Diego State by the Rockies in the 30th round of the 2007 draft and began his pro career as a starter. However, midway through 2010 the Rockies decided he would be a better option as a reliever given his two-pitch repertoire. His fastball can reach over 100 mph out of the pen, while his changeup is usable. If he ever developed a third pitch, his slider as Renck mentions, he could spot start.
He has a 5.06 ERA in 32.0 innings. In two of his last three outings he's allowed nine runs in 2.2 innings.
Renck also suggests that this could be a temporary promotion until Saturday when the Rockies could use a fresh pitcher instead of Greg Reynolds (he threw 3.2 innings on Tuesday in relief of De La Rosa). That could lead to 24-year-old righty Juan Nicasio making his big league debut. He is 5-1 in nine starts for Double-A Tulsa. His 2.22 ERA leads the Texas League and he holds the strikeout lead by 15 (63 to 48).
Update: The Rockies announced Nicasio will start Saturday.