Motte returns to ‘pen after lengthy layoff

SAN DIEGO — The Rockies activated right-hander Jason Motte from the 15-day disabled list Thursday, and outrighted left fielder Rafael Ynoa and first baseman Ben Paulsen to Triple-A Albuquerque after both were designated for assignment Tuesday.

With the addition of Motte, who was dealing with a right rotator cuff strain, Colorado has 37 players on its active roster — 19 of whom are pitchers.

Motte has thrown just 20 2/3 innings, posting a 5.66 ERA, but hasn’t pitched since July 25. With that, Rockies manager Walt Weiss is planning on going slow with the 34-year-old righty.

“He’s been gone a long time,” Weiss said. “You’re not just going to fire him into the high-leverage situations right away, but it will be good to see him back out here in competition. He’s been away for a while.”

With the expanded roster, Weiss has the luxury of working Motte back in whenever he wants, and said this was the most flexibility he’s had as a manager.

“A lot of options. …

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