Rockies might target Brach in trade

DENVER -- The Rockies were expected to make a push for Orioles lefty closer Zach Britton, but according to a report, the Yankees agreed to send three Minor League pitchers in a package to Baltimore for Britton on Tuesday night. However, indications are Orioles righty Brad Brach or one of the multiple Angels relievers who could be available have emerged as potential Rockies targets.
The Rockies -- contending in the National League West -- are looking to improve the bullpen. The team's right-handed relievers have performed well during the club's recent surge, but there are questions regarding the lefties.
That issue was underscored Tuesday, when Chris Rusin, who has been struggling, went to the 10-day disabled list with left plantar fasciitis. The likely plan, however, is to seek an upgrade, regardless of handedness.
The Rockies inquired on Britton and several other relievers early in the offseason before splurging on Wade Davis (three years, $52 million), Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw (both three years, $27 million). Even with those expenditures, the Rockies are scouring for more relief help.
The Indians acquired Padres lefty closer Brad Hand after the All-Star Game in a deal that included Cleveland's top prospect, catcher Francisco Mejía. However, Mejia's prospect buzz is linked to him remaining at catcher, and that is not certain as his career develops.
Brach (1-2, 4.97 ERA, 10 saves in 41 games) pitched for Rockies manager Bud Black with the Padres 2011-13. The Rockies also took a long look at him at last year's deadline.
With the Angels in a one-step-forward, one-step-back season, indications are the Rockies could explore several options.
The Angels have multiple relievers under club control beyond this season. Topping the list is lefty José Álvarez (4-3, 3.24 ERA), who going into Tuesday had struck out 39 against 15 walks in 41 2/3 innings in an American League-leading 51 games. Alvarez isn't eligible for free agency until 2021.
Righties Justin Anderson (2-2, 3.19 in 36 games), Cam Bedrosian (3-2, 3.71, one save in 48 games) and Blake Parker (2-1, 2.98 in 44 games) also are pitchers with club control beyond this year.
To go the veteran route, the Rockies could look at righty Jim Johnson, 35, who is at the end of a two-year, $10 million deal, but he returned Sunday after missing six weeks with a lumbar strain. Johnson (2-2, 3.86, one save) has postseason experience -- with the Orioles in 2012.
The Rockies also have been linked to a pair of Orioles starters, righties Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy, according to MLB Network Insider Ken Rosenthal. The Rockies have said they are considering acquiring starting pitching, but have to balance whether they can upgrade their rotation without affecting their depth.
Catching is an area the club could look to upgrade, but they are not expected to meet the Marlins' asking price for J.T. Realmuto, and the Rays' Wilson Ramos is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Story honored with Heart and Hustle Award
Rockies shortstop Trevor Story was selected as the 2018 Heart and Hustle Award winner, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced Tuesday.
The award, the only one in MLB that is voted on by former players, honors a player from each MLB team who demonstrates a passion for baseball and show values, spirit and traditions of the game. At the end of the season, fans, alumni and active players can vote to select the final winner, who is announced in November.
"It's one of the things I kind of pride myself on -- heart and hustle, the name of the award," Story said. "I know it's a big deal to win this award, and I'm just very honored. I know a lot of great players who have won it, so it's an honor."
The final winner will be announced on Nov. 8 at the 19th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City. This event is the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics. These clinics impact more than 18,000 children each year at 185 clinics, allowing them the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.
Bettis moving ahead; Marquez scheduled
Righty Chad Bettis, whose right middle finger blister flared after 70 pitches during a rehab start for Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, will throw a side session on Wednesday then likely will have another rehab outing.
Righty Germán Márquez, currently on paternity leave, has been scheduled for Sunday's series and homestand finale against the Athletics. Marquez announced the birth of his son on Instagram with the message: "Welcome to the world. I love you."