Jhoulys Chacin formally indications along with Rockies; Jairo Diaz labelled for project

Check out this article by Patrick Saunders from The Denver Post talking about some important happenings for the week. Patrick Saunders recently published the article and I thought it was a great post for posting on this website.

The Rockies finalized their roster Thursday morning, officially signing right-hander Jhoulys Chacín to a major league contract and designating right-handed reliever Jairo Diaz for assignment.

The Rockies open their 2021 season Thursday afternoon when they host the Dodgers at Coors Field.

Chacin, 33, began his career with the Rockies. He is the first major league free agent signed by the Rockies since now-retired first baseman Daniel Murphy signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the club in December 2018.

Diaz, 29, struggled in spring training, posting a 10.24 ERA and giving up four home runs in nine games.

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Also, to set their 26-man roster, the Rockies placed left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland (left shoulder strain) and infielder Brendan Rodgers (right hamstring strain) on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to March 29.

Four players are on the opening day roster for the first time: left-handed pitcher Ben Bowden, outfielder Yonathan Daza, catcher Dom Nuñez and right-handed pitcher Jordan Sheffield, who was acquired from the Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft last December.

Chacin made his debut with the Rockies in 2009 at age 21. In six seasons in Colorado, he went 38-48 with a solid 3.78 ERA. He’s been a journeyman pitcher since leaving the Rockies, pitching for Arizona, Atlanta, the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego, Milwaukee and Boston.

In 2018, relying on an effective slider, he pitched very well for the Brewers, giving them 192 2/3 innings and posting a 3.50 ERA. This spring, the right-hander was in camp with the pitching-rich Yankees on a minor-league deal but didn’t make the club.

Rockies’ 2021 opening day roster

Right-handed Pitchers (12)

Yency AlmonteDaniel BardJhoulys ChacínCarlos EstévezMychal GivensChi Chi GonzálezJon GrayTyler KinleyGermán MárquezAntonio SenzatelaJordan SheffieldRobert Stephenson

Left-handed Pitchers (2)

Ben BowdenAustin Gomber

Catchers (2)

Elias DíazDom Nuñez

Infielders (4)

C.J. CronJosh FuentesRyan McMahonTrevor Story

Outfielders (4)

Charlie BlackmonYonathan DazaSam HilliardRaimel Tapia

Utility (2)

Garrett HampsonChris Owings