Rockies call up John Curtiss and Matt Carasiti to prop up wobbly bullpen

The Rockies’ wobbly bullpen received some much-needed support Friday.

In the wake of their relievers’ workload and reoccurring meltdown, the club made a pair of roster moves ahead of its game against the Phillies. The Rockies called up right-hander John Curtiss and Matt Carasiti from Triple-A Albuquerque.

To make room on the 26-man roster, they optioned right-hander Peter Lambert to Triple-A and designated right-hander Matt Koch for assignment. To open a spot on the  40-man roster spot, the Rockies transferred left-handed Kyle Freeland (elbow soreness) to the 60-day injured list.

Manager Bud Black explained that the moves were necessary to get “some fresh arms” into the ‘pen. Colorado played consecutive extra-inning games against the A’s on Wednesday and Thursday. The Rockies won Wednesday night’s game in 12 innings but lost Thursday’s 11-inning game in excruciating fashion. The bullpen blew leads in the ninth, 10th, and 11th innings, coughing up five runs in the 11th in a 10-9 defeat.

Black said Lambert, who walked in the winning run on Thursday, needs a tune-up. Black added that Lambert needs better command of his fastball and changeup.

The veteran Curtiss, 31, signed a minor league deal in January. He’s posted an ugly 6.75 ERA over 21 1/3 innings with the Isotopes. Still, Black said the numbers are skewed by Albuquerque’s hitter-friendly environment and that the bullpen could use Curtiss’ veteran presence.

Carasiti has one option remaining, so the Rockies can still move him between Denver and Albuquerque.