Juan

Morillo

Morillo, 30, split last year between Taiwan and the Mexican League. The hard-throwing right-hander hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2009 as a member of the Twins. He’ll function as bullpen depth in the minors.

Morillo, one of the Rockies’ top pitching prospects, has allowed two runs -- one earned -- in 11 1/3 innings in the Dominican Republic.

Morillo, who made a permanent conversion to the pen this year, will be making his season debut. He had a 2.55 ERA between Double- and Triple-A. The hard-throwing 23-year-old is a candidate to be the Rockies’ closer of the future.

Wednesday’s stellar outing couldn’t save Franklin Morales, who was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs so Hammel could be added to the roster. Belisle is expected to be added Friday, but the Rockies are trying to deal Morillo before the move goes through.

Morillo, 25, did not appear in a game with the Rockies after barely making the Opening Day roster. The club was attempting to deal him near the end of spring training, and will continue with that goal for another 10 days.

The Marlins reportedly like his big arm, which boasts a fastball that can reach into the high-90s. Morillo did not appear in a game for the Rockies this season.

Oddly, even with Hammel as a long man, the team is still planning on adding Matt Belisle to the roster later this week. Franklin Morales will be sent down for 10 days after his start Wednesday, opening up a temporary spot. The Denver Post believes that when Morales returns, Juan Morillo will be the odd man out.

Morillo probably had to be the one to go regardless once Joe Mauer returned, but he made it easier with a 22.50 ERA in 3 games. Still, with his arm, it’s hard to imagine he won’t get another big league shot soon.

It’s a surprise that Morillo lasted all of the way to the Twins on waivers. The flame-throwing right-hander will take Phil Humber’s spot in the team’s pen. Like Humber, he is out of options.

Morillo had some massive command problems early on this season, but he’s been pretty good for the last couple of months. Since the beginning of June, he had allowed three runs in 17 2/3 innings. Morillo will be out of options next spring, so the Rockies might as well take a long look at him in the second half. However, it’s doubtful that he’s up for good this time. He could go right back down when Kip Wells is activated of Monday.