Notes: Rockies place Givens (back) on IL

The Rockies placed right-handed reliever Mychal Givens on the 10-day injured list prior to Thursday’s series opener against the Brewers with a lower left back strain. In a corresponding move, the club recalled right-hander Justin Lawrence from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Givens has been very good for the Rockies this season, with a 2.78 ERA in 24 appearances (22 2/3 innings), including seven straight scoreless outings dating back to May 22. Manager Bud Black said Givens’ back has been an issue for some time, and it got to the point where it warranted an IL stint.

“He was able to work an inning a couple days ago, but it just got to a point where it was nagging and I think the medical team and Mychal felt it was probably best to put him on the IL and let it quiet down,” Black said. “Let’s get rid of this, and when he comes back, there’ll be no issue.”

In other injury-related news, right-hander Jon Gray (right forearm flexor strain) was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, but Black did not have any details as to how it went prior to the game against Milwaukee. Black said earlier that the plan was to have Gray throw a session and then send him out on a rehab assignment of at least one start.

Gray said he feels healthy, but the issue that has delayed him somewhat as he works his way back into Colorado’s rotation is getting the timing back in his delivery. Black said he assumes all went well with the bullpen session and that Gray will be able to go out on a rehab assignment sometime this weekend.

Veteran utility player Chris Owings continued his rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday night as he works his way back from a surgery for a thumb sprain in April. He went 1-for-3 with a double before being pinch-hit for in the eighth inning of the Isotopes' 14-4 loss at Reno.

Owings began the season with a hot streak at the plate, hitting .533 (8-for-15) with three doubles and three triples prior to the injury. He opened his rehab assignment by going 1-for-3 with a double on Monday, and he then went 1-for-4 with a walk on Tuesday. He has yet to play a full nine innings in a game.

“He’s doing fine,” Black said before the Rockies' 7-3 win over Milwaukee. “He’s played two games without feeling any ill effects with the hand and the thumb, so he is in a good spot. He will continue playing tonight and through the weekend -- they were off yesterday. But Chris is doing very well.”

Black did not give a timeline for how long Owings’ rehab assignment would be, but said he would consult with Owings and the medical staff throughout the next few days before making that determination.

Rockies, assistant GM mutually part ways

The Rockies and assistant general manager of player personnel Jon Weil have agreed to mutually part ways, a source with the club confirmed. His departure was first reported by USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale.

Weil joined the organization in 2005, and oversaw professional scouting operations from 2008 to the present.