Rockies Reliever Jason Motte Out With Shoulder Strain

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Colorado Rockies reliever Jason Motte has a shoulder strain that manager Walt Weiss says makes it "very possible" he'll miss next week's season-opening series against Arizona.

The Rockies signed Motte away from the Chicago Cubs to a two-year, $10 million deal in December. He was competing with newly acquired Jake McGee for the closer's job.

Motte has a 9.53 ERA in six spring appearances and hasn't pitched since March 24. Weiss said Wednesday "he'll be down for a little bit" but it's not a long-term injury.

The 33-year-old Motte saved a NL-high 42 games with St. Louis in 2012.

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