Todd

Jones

The Rockies continue to attempt to deal Jones, but if that doesn’t happen, they may be content to release him with $1.54 million remaining on his contract. Elarton should be sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs, opening up a rotation spot for Denny Stark, due back Tuesday. The Rockies are expected to call up a position player (not Garrett Atkins) in the period before Stark joins the team.

Jones apparently wants it known that this, and not his recent controversial comments about homosexuals, is the reason he didn’t pitch for five days.

The options include activating either Brandon Lyon or Ramiro Mendoza from their rehab assignments or calling up Casey Fossum, Ryan Rupe or Jason Shiell.

Jones will take a rest for a couple days.

Jones allowed a hit and a walk. He has never allowed an earned run in Yankee Stadium in his career.

Jones entered in the eighth in a 6-5 game and retired the side without incident. The Marlins then went on to add four more runs in the top of the ninth, with Jones contributing a single during that rally. It was his first hit since 1995 with the Astros, and just the fourth overall in his career.

The Tigers were up 5-2 entering the bottom of the eighth. Fernando Rodney retired the first hitter he faced, but he then gave up a solo homer, a single and a walk before being replaced by Jones. Jones gave up hits to all four batters he faced, scoring a total of five runs. Bobby Seay replaced him and allowed two inherited runners to score before finishing the inning. The performance upped Jones’ ERA to 7.29. As bad as he’s been his last four outings, a temporary removal from the closer’s role is a possibility. Rodney would be the top candidate to replace him, though Joel Zumaya is also very intriguing.

He did give up a single and a walk in the frame. He had taken two blown saves and three losses in his previous four appearances.

Jones has given up 15 runs in his last seven appearances, raising his ERA to 7.27. Maybe manager Jim Leyland will give thought to sticking Fernando Rodney or even Joel Zumaya into the closer’s role for a while.

We don’t see any reason for the Padres to employ a $3 million closer this year, but at least they wouldn’t have to give up any real talent in order to acquire Jones from the Rockies.