The Rockies don't need a fifth starter again until April 21 and would rather have Morales pitching for the Sky Sox and staying stretched out than sitting in the bullpen.

And this way, they created a roster spot for right-hander Jason Hammel, acquired on Sunday from Tampa Bay. Hammel will join the team in time for Friday's home opener.

Only problem is, Morales' demotion came with no guarantee of a return trip to the big leagues.

To get him back, after all, the Rockies would have to create a roster spot. That would most like mean a move involving either left-hander Glendon Rusch or right-hander Matt Belisle, who will be placed on the active roster Friday when the Rockies remove Juan Morillo.

"What I told him was to go out there and make sure they don't have any doubts about calling you back up," said catcher Yorvit Torrealba, a fellow Venezuelan. "Go out and do what you have to do to be a big-league pitcher. Got out there and get outs.

"I told him he had earned a chance to do this and now he needed to make good on that chance."

Other than the home run to Drew, Morales allowed only three singles and a walk. He never let another Arizona runner get past first base.

What he has to do is to reinforce his Wednesday effort by taking the same approach to the mound for the Sky Sox as he did with the Rockies.

As Morales put it, "I have to go down and keep pitching and show them I can do my job."

ROCKIES 9, DIAMONDBACKS 2: Dexter Fowler, making his first start of the season, hit the first pitch of the game for a home run, sending the Rockies on their way to a series victory. Colorado won two of three in the opening series. Ryan Spilborghs, moved from leadoff to the No. 3 hole while Todd Helton was rested for a day, hit a two-run double in the third that keyed a three-run rally that gave the Rockies a 4-1 lead.