Cartersville's Sam Howard rejoins MLB Rockies

The Colorado Rockies announced Saturday that they have recalled Cartersville native Sam Howard from Triple-A Albuquerque along with right-handed pitcher Jon Gray.

To make room on the MLB Rockies roster, Colorado has optioned right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman to Triple-A and placed lefty Harrison Musgrave on the 10-day disabled list with a right hip flexor strain.

Howard, fifth-year pro, age 25, will be making his second appearance of the year on the Rockies’ major league roster. He was called up to the parent club for the first time on June 9 and made his MLB debut against Arizona on June 10. He allowed one hit in one inning of work in that appearance.

In 14 starts this season with Albuquerque, the former Purple Hurricane and Georgia Southern southpaw, is 3-6 with a 5.43 ERA (68 IP, 41 ER). He has 55 strikeouts and 26 walks.

Howard’s career Minor League record is 29-35 with a 3.83 ERA (538.2 IP, 229 ER) in 102 starts (104 appearances) since 2014.

Gray made the most of his return to the Rockies Saturday night, limiting the Mariners to just four hits in 7 and 1/3 innings to lead the Rockies to a 4-1 victory -- their 12th win in the last 15 games. He struck out six and walked one. Gray started the year with Colorado and went 7-7 before being demoted to Albuquerque June 30. Howard did not appear in Saturday night's win, but could possibly see action out of the bullpen Sunday as the Rockies host the Mariners in both teams' finale' before the All-Star break at 3:10 EDT.