Rockies designate Axford, Rosario for assignment
The Colorado Rockies announced Friday they designated four players for assignment, including right-hander John Axford and catcher Wilin Rosario.
"That was a tough decision," general manager Jeff Bridich told reporters of the decision to designate Axford. "His arbitration number was going to jump way up. We did have conversations trying to keep him here on a deal, but at the end of the day there just wasn't a meeting of the minds. We have a ton of respect for John and parted on good terms. And the door isn't necessarily closed, either."
The 32-year-old Axford saved 25 games for the Rockies in 2015, when he earned $2.6 million. He has 141 saves across his seven-year career in the bigs that includes a 3.52 ERA and 1.38 WHIP.
Rosario, 26, was once a major offensive force behind the plate for the Rockies, hitting 69 home runs and 204 RBIs between 2012-14.
He appeared in 69 games for Colorado last season, hitting .268/.295/.416 with six home runs and 29 RBIs, which included a demotion to the minors.
The Rockies also designated left-hander Rex Brothers and right-hander Tommy Kahnle for assignment.