Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:13:24 -0700

If Colorado Rockies SP Brett Anderson (finger) goes on the disabled list, P Franklin Morales appears to be a strong candidate to replace him in the starting rotation. Morales was recently demoted to the bullpen in favor of SP Jordan Lyles but has not yet pitched in relief.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 12:40:42 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Tyler Chatwood (hamstring) is expected to come off the disabled list and start Sunday, April 13. All signs are pointing toward SP Jordan Lyles staying in the rotation with SP Franklin Morales heading to the bullpen. RP Chad Bettis could be sent down to the minors.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 04:59:33 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Franklin Morales is in danger of losing his rotation spot with SP Tyler Chatwood (hamstring) on the mend. Morales has allowed nine runs on 16 hits in 11 2/3 innings.

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| Source: The Associated Press

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:20:26 -0700

Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss elected to go with SP Juan Nicasio for the home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, April 4, rather than SP Franklin Morales, because Nicasio's experience at Coors Field is fresher. "More than anything, Juan has pitched a lot and made a lot of starts in our park," Weiss said Tuesday, April 1. "Frankie did at one time, but it's been a while. I'd rather Frankie's first start be on the road before we get back there in all the hoopla of opening day and throw that on top of being with a new club. Juan was the best choice."

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| Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 18:59:51 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Franklin Morales has won the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Patrick Saunders

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:05:22 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Franklin Morales pitched in Venezuela in the offseason in order to strengthen his repertoire of pitches. "In Venezuela with Jesus Hernandez, my pitching coach, I worked on my tempo to throw my pitches in any count, and I learned my cutter from Gary Tuck, my pitching coach from Boston from two years ago," Morales said. "Last year, I put it in the game and this year I went to Venezuela to winter ball and I used it more to get confidence. Before I threw the cutter backdoor, now I use it on both sides." His hard work is showing this spring; Morales struck out seven and gave up three hits and an unearned run in his five-inning outing Monday, March 24. He's competing with SP Jordan Lyles for the final rotation spot in camp.

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| Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:49:50 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Franklin Morales, who has posted a 3.97 ERA over 11 1/3 innings this spring, may have an edge over SP Jordan Lyles for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, because he is out of minor league options. Lyles still has options remaining, so the Rockies could demote him without fear of losing him to another organization.

Fantasy Tip: It doesn't appear that manager Walt Weiss is in a hurry to name a fifth starter and will continue letting these two battle it out. Morales has expressed a strong preference to start, although there is a possibility that Lyles grabs the last spot in the rotation while Morales winds up in the bullpen. Lyles has actually pitched slightly better than Morales (1.13 ERA over eight spring innings), although ERA will not be the sole determining factor for winning the job.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 07:55:32 -0700

Colorado Rockies SP Jordan Lyles is one of the arms competing for the open rotation spot that's likely to occur with Jhoulys Chacin (shoulder) injured. Lyles tossed three scoreless innings Tuesday, March 11, with four strikeouts. Lyles holds a 1.13 spring ERA and has made some adjustments with pitching coach Jim Wright. The right-hander has improved the angle on his fastball that may force more ground balls from opponents.

Fantasy Tip: If you have to dive into this SP pool, hold your nose. The competition also involves Franklin Morales and Christian Friedrich. Lyles once had a mildly intriguing pedigree but is in a tough situation to succeed, even with his grounder background. Tread carefully, NL-only poachers.

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| Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:34:01 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Franklin Morales allowed one run and three hits with five strikeouts over three innings in his Cactus League appearance Wednesday, March 5. "I'm not thinking of striking anybody out," Morales said. "I'm trying to make my pitches and throw a strike. Thank God, I feel healthy this year."

Fantasy Tip: Morales is in the mix for a back-end rotation job, and if he can string together a few effective performances like this, he might win a starting job. Even then, he would only be worth a look in deeper NL-only fantasy leagues.

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| Source: The Associated Press

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 09:42:53 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Jhoulys Chacin (shoulder) will be out at least another week with a sore right shoulder. His MRI exam showed only inflammation and no structural damage. Chacin said he was feeling better Tuesday, Feb. 25, but he may not be ready for opening day.

Fantasy Tip: There is a good chance that Chacin isn't ready when the regular season starts now. However, he may only need to miss one or two starts, and the Rockies could skip his turn in the rotation and get away with it. If a rotation spot is needed, they could turn to Franklin Morales or Jordan Lyles temporarily.

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| Source: The Associated Press