ROCKIES WOES CONTINUE
DENVER (AP) – Logan Verrett stepped into Matt Harvey’s spot and earned his first major league win in his first start, pitching eight impressive innings and leading the New York Mets over the Colorado Rockies 5-1 Sunday. After the NL East-leading Mets posted a pair of 14-9 wins at Coors Field, Verrett (1-0) allowed just one run and four hits while striking out eight. Verrett (1-0) got the spot start when the Mets decided to push back Harvey’s outing, and he turned in a performance worthy of New York’s strong rotation. Verrett made his major league debut with Texas this season and pitched four times in relief before the Mets got him on waivers. The 25-year-old righty had pitched well in seven relief appearances for the Mets. Michael Conforto had three hits for the Mets, who have won 10 straight against Colorado dating to 2014. David Hale (3-5) threw a pair of wild pitches while Anthony Recker was batting in the second inning, both allowing a run to score.
ROCKIES MOVES
Rockies designate RHP Rafael Betancourt for assignment
DENVER (AP) – Colorado Rockies veteran Rafael Betancourt has been designated for assignment, possibly signaling the end of the right-hander’s 11-year major league career. In a corresponding move, Colorado selected the contract of right-hander Simon Castro from Triple-A Albuquerque. The Rockies also recalled right-hander Jairo Diaz and optioned reliever Justin Miller to the Isotopes. Betancourt, 40, was 2-4 with one save and a 6.18 ERA in 45 appearances this season. He joined the Rockies in a trade with Cleveland in 2009 and helped the team reach the playoffs that season. He has been with Colorado since and has 58 saves, fifth in franchise history.
