July 28, 2008 4:26 PM

Rotation roulette; July 28

LHP Valerio De Los Santos gets the call for the Rockies at Pittsburgh tonight. He is making his first big-league appearance since he pitche for Florid against Arizona on Aug. 11, 2005, and his first big-league start since he pitched for Milwaukee at St. Louis on April 2, 2000.

De Los Santos is a temporary move. LHP Jeff Francis will make a third rehab start for Double-A Tulsa on Thursday, after which he will be called up. As a result the Rockies needed a fifth start for tonight and will need one again on Saturday in Florida.

RHP JASON HIRSH remains at Triple-A Colorado Springs. He has struggled with his command, and just as big a concern fro the Rockies is that Hirsh hasn't had his normal velocity this season. That creates the impression that he is not fully recovered from the strained right rotator cuff that forced him on the disabled list during spring training.

SCOUTS ATTENDING the Rockies-Pirates series say every indication is that the Rockies are not in serious talks to unload any veterans, including lefty Brian Fuentes. ``They want a big-time return for him,'' said one scout. ``I don't blame them, but everybody is looking for a bargain and the Rockies aren't giving anyone away.''

THE LINEUPS
ROCKIES
CF Willy Taveras (rh)
3B Jeff Baker (rh)
LF Matt Holliday (rh)
RF Brad Hawpe (lh)
1B Garrett Atkins (rh)
3B Ian Stewart (lh)
SS Troy Tulowtizki (rh)
C Yorvit Torrealba (rh)
LHP Valerio De Los Santos

PIRATES
CF Nate McLouth (lh)
SS Jack Wilson (rh)
C Ryan Doumit (sh)
LF Jason Bay (rh)
1B Doug Mientkiewicz (lh)
RF Steve Pearce (rh)
3B Jose Bautista (rh)
RHP Ian Snell (rh)
2B Chris Gomez (rh)

Posted by Tracy Ringolsby at 4:26 PM | Comments (0)