Rockies trade for Cleveland pitcher Betancourt
The Cleveland Indians will hold a conference call after today's game in Toronto to announce they have traded Rafael Betancourt to the Rockies for Class A pitcher Connor Graham, according to a major-league source.
Betancourt was not used in an obvious setup situation today against Toronto, which was considered unusual by those who follow the team.
"You never think it's going to happen to you," Betancourt told reporters after his game in Toronto. "But I have seen a lot of guys come and leave this team this year. Now, it's my turn."
Despite promoting top prospect Jhoulys Chacin today, the Rockies have been making a strong push to get the 34-year-old right-hander. The Rockies have a history of completing trades with the Indians as the general managers Dan O'Dowd and Mark Shapiro have a strong working relationship.
Betancourt is 1-2 with a 3.52 ERA this season. He has roughly $1.5 million left in salary this year and has a 2010 club option for $5.4 million. He was on the disabled list earlier this month with a strained right groin.
Betancourt relies heavily on his fastball, but has been using his slider and changeup more over the past year.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or
trenck@denverpost.com.