Mike

Venafro

Coors Field games are ending far too quickly this year, so the Rockies are hauling up another lefty specialist to slow the game down. Venafro, 33, is back in the majors for the first time since the end of 2004. He had a 2.35 ERA in 38 1/3 innings between two Triple-A teams this year.

Venafro allowed two runs in 2 1/3 innings over three appearances with the Dodgers last month. Scott Stewart should be used ahead of him in most situations, so Venafro doesn’t figure to get a lot of work.

Venafro allowed two runs in 2 1/3 innings over three appearances.

Venafro, who split time between Tampa Bay and Houston’s Triple-A affiliate last season, will compete for a job in the Kansas City bullpen.

Venafro was doing about as well as should have been expected, limiting left-handers to a .266 average and .325 slugging percentage. There was little reason for the Rays to sign him in the first place and even less to let him go now. There’s a good chance that the Rays will soon send down Rob Bell and call up Bobby Seay to take over Venafro’s role.

Venafro was designated for assignment on Thursday.

Venafro, 32, last appeared in the majors with the Dodgers at the end of 2004. He’ll be a part of Louisville’s bullpen.

Venafro had a 4.00 ERA in 17 appearances for the Dodgers last season. If the team keeps a lefty specialist this year, Kelly Wunsch and Venafro will be candidates for the job. We prefer Wunsch.