Colorado Rockies RHP Esmil Rogers, originally scheduled to start on May 6 against the San Francisco Giants, is heading to the disabled list with a sore lat muscle, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The Rockies have recalled RHP Clay Mortensen from AAA Colorado Springs to take his place. Mortensen will face off against Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner.
Mortensen, a first round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007, was one of the players sent to Oakland for Matt Holliday. The Rockies acquired him via trade from the Oakland Athletics this offseason in exchange for RHP Ethan Hollingsworth to provide starting pitching depth. He has been used in long relief this season against the Giants, pitching six strong innings and allowing only two hits. Mortenson's last MLB start was in 2010 for the Oakland Athletics, when he allowed three runs against the Cleveland Indians through six innings. He received a no-decision for his efforts.