Rockies' Antonio Senzatela: Stock rising for rotation spot

Senzatela has an improved chance of cracking the major league rotation following the demotion of fellow pitching prospect Jeff Hoffman.

Analysis:

The aforementioned roster move seemingly places German Marquez into the fourth slot of the rotation, leaving Senzatela, Kyle Freeland, and Harrison Musgrave in the running for the final spot. Freeland appears to be the favorite to assume the position, but Senzatela's 17:2 K:BB ratio in 20.1 Cactus League innings is certainly keeping him in the conversation. The one area in which the right-hander has a leg up on the competition is in current roster standing, given that Senzatela is the only one of the three candidates who is currently on the 40-man roster, although that seems like it will be a moot point when all is said and done. From prior reports, manager Bud Black isn't opposed to using his pitching prospects out of the bullpen initially in order to get their feet wet in the majors, so even if he doesn't crack the rotation, Senzatela's excellent control could be put on display in a relief role to begin the season.