Jason

Gurka

The Rockies needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Jeff Hoffman. Gurka made the Rockies’ Opening Day roster but was sent down to Triple-A a few weeks later and hasn’t been to the majors since. He’s been on the disabled list since June.

The 29-year-old left-hander was released by the Yankees earlier this month after compiling a 5.40 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 20/2 K/BB ratio in 16 2/3 innings. He’ll add bullpen depth at Triple-A Salt Lake for the Angels.

Gurka, 29, held a 3.20 ERA with over a strikeout per inning at the Triple-A level this season. He’ll be used in a lefty specialist role.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Felix Pena, who was acquired from the Cubs. Gurka was unscored upon in three appearances this season with the Halos.

Gurka cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week. The southpaw made three appearances with the Angels down the stretch and posted a 3.20 ERA over 43 relief appearances at the Triple-A level (between the Angels and Yankees) this season. He’ll stick around as bullpen depth.

Gurka earns a shot after posting a 2.86 ERA and 53/18 K/BB ratio over 63 innings between Double- and Triple-A. The 27-year-old will be making his major league debut when he gets into a game.

Gurka allowed 16 hits and eight earned runs in 7 2/3 innings of relief this past season with Colorado. The lefty specialist has posted much better numbers in the minors and should be able to latch on with a new organization fairly quickly. He turns 28 years old in January.

Colorado non-tendered Gurka earlier this month even though he wasn’t eligible for salary arbitration. He is now back on a non-guaranteed minor league deal. The 27-year-old southpaw struggled in his first taste of the major leagues last season, though his minor league numbers are fairly promising.

The 30-year-old southpaw had been pitching at Triple-A Norfolk, where he posted a 3.18 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 24/6 K/BB ratio across 22 2/3 innings. He shouldn’t have much difficulty landing on his feet elsewhere on a minor league pact.

Gurka held a 9.31 ERA over six relief appearances. He should get another shot at some point this season.