Scuffling as starter, Hoffman to finish ’16 in ‘pen

DENVER — Rockies right-handed prospect Jeff Hoffman, who has struggled with his execution through his first five Major League starts, will finish the season in the bullpen.

The move gives another righty prospect, German Marquez, a chance to make his first start Wednesday and most likely another. It also gives Hoffman (0-4, 6.04 ERA) relief opportunities to regain the pitch execution he showed while earning his big league chance.

It’s a different strategy for Hoffman, 23, the Rockies’ No. 2 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, from what the Rockies used last year with righty Jon Gray, who made nine starts before being shut down at roughly this time of year. It has worked for Gray, but Hoffman believes this plan will work for him.

“I and everybody else who is in the decision-making process are on the same page,” said Hoffman, the ninth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft and key prospect the Rockies received in the July 2015 trade that sent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays. “I want to compete. I want to earn my stripes. I’m glad they’re giving me that …

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