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The Rockies insisted on being right-handed Nick Mears<\/strong> Off the waiver from the Rangers, the team announced Friday.Texas designated Mears for assignment earlier in the week to open up a roster spot for newly signed players Nathan Evaldi<\/strong>Colorado had two open spots on their 40-man roster, so no corresponding move is required. Their 40-man roster is now 39 players.<\/p>\n Mears, 26, has spent his entire professional career with the Pirates Organization until this offseason. He’s starting to bounce around the DFA circuit a bit, seeking waivers from Pittsburgh to Texas to Colorado. The 6-foot-2-inch right-hander is averaging 96 mph with the Heaters, but at MLB level he’s trailed a 4.75 ERA in 30 1\/3 innings as far back as 2020.<\/p>\n Mears’ career 9.5 K\/9 in the majors looks tempting, but it’s a good example of why his strikeout rate is better than K\/9. Mears walks so many hitters (14.9%) that his overall strikeout rate is actually below his 22.7% league average for relief pitchers. Mears throws hard but has strong numbers up to double-A level, leaving his league options in the minors. 40 person roster.<\/p>\n At least four bullpen spots are blocked in the Rocky Mountains. Daniel Byrd<\/strong> signed until 2024, Pierce Johnson<\/strong> (signed early this offseason), Brent Suter<\/strong> (claimed by Brewers) and Dinelson Rammett<\/strong> Excludes options for minors.Lighty Justin Lawrence<\/strong> He’s also out of the minor league options, but given his struggles over the past few seasons, he can’t be considered a rock to break camp with the club in 2023.<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n