Rockies move LHP Fuentes to closer

Apr 24, 2008 - 8:28 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- The Colorado Rockies made a change in their bullpen Thursday, moving lefthander Brian Fuentes into the closer's role.

Fuentes replaces Manny Corpas, who blew his fourth save in eight opportunities in Wednesday's 6-5, 10-inning setback to Chicago.

Corpas had 19 saves and a 2.08 ERA in 78 innings last season, helping the Rockies claim their first National League pennant. Colorado rewarded Corpas two months ago, signing the righthander to a four-year deal that could be worth up to $22 million.

But Corpas has not been able to duplicate the success so far this season, posting a 7.50 ERA in 12 innings. He will now serve as the team's setup man.

"I think what you need to do is what's best for the club, and that's to give the ball to Brian right now," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "Get the heat off Manny and give him an opportunity to work his way out."

A three-time All-Star, Fuentes has allowed just three runs in 11 innings this season and has 85 career saves.

The southpaw was the closer at the beginning of last season before being sidelined for nearly a month in mid-July with with a mild strain of his left latissiumus dorsi muscle.

Corpas took over the closer's role when Fuentes had blown four consecutive saves and landed on the 15-day disabled list.

"If anyone knows, I definitely know what he's going through," Fuentes said. "There's a lot of things going through your mind - doubt, anger and most importantly you feel like you've let your team down a little bit."