Rockies decline option for RHP Rafael Betancourt

The Colorado Rockies announced this afternoon that the club has declined its option for the 2010 season on right-handed relief pitcher Rafael Betancourt. With the move, Betancourt can now become a free agent.

“We did not exercise the option, but we will continue to negotiate with Rafael,” said Rockies Executive Vice President, General Manger Dan O’Dowd.

Betancourt, 34, went 4-3 with a 2.73 ERA (56.0 ip, 17 er) in 61 games while splitting his time with Colorado and Cleveland in 2009. He posted 61 strikeouts and 20 walks while holding opponents to a .209 (42-for-201) batting average against. The Rockies acquired Betancourt from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Minor League right-handed pitcher Connor Graham on July 23, 2009. Betancourt made 32 appearances in a Rockies uniform, going 3-1 with a 1.78 ERA (25.1 ip, 5 er). He pitched in Games Two, Three and Four of the National League Division Series vs. the Philadelphia Phillies and allowed one run in 2.1 innings.

A veteran of seven Major League seasons, Betancourt has made 403 appearances with Colorado (2009) and Cleveland (2003-09) since his debut in 2003. During his tenure with the Indians, the right-hander went 23-22 with 3.25 ERA (410.0 ip, 148 er). He has 18 career saves and 96 holds. The Venezuelan native pitched for his home country during the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

The Rockies currently have 34 players on the club’s 40-man roster.

Source: Colorado Rockies/ Major League Baseball