DENVER -- The Rockies optioned left-handed relief pitcher Ken Roberts to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday. The move clears a roster spot to activate right-handed pitcher David Hale -- who will start Tuesday night against the Nationals at Coors Field -- but no official announcement has been made.
Roberts has been called up twice, and he's 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in nine games. Colorado recalled the 27-year-old rookie on Friday, when it sent down righty starter Eddie Butler. Roberts gave up one run on one hit in one-third of an inning, taking the loss in Friday's 9-5 decision against the Padres.