DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies have acquired catcher Jose Morales from Minnesota, sending minor league pitcher Paul Bargas to the Twins.
Morales hit .194 with seven RBIs in 19 games with the Twins last season. The 27-year-old has a .297 batting average in three seasons.
The Rockies are searching for a reliable backup for Chris Iannetta after trading Miguel Olivo in the offseason. The team also has Michael McKenry, Jordan Pacheco and Wilin Rosario on the active roster.
Bargas, a 22-year-old lefty, was 5-4 with a 3.59 ERA and five saves in 58 appearances for Single-A Asheville last year.
He was picked by Colorado in the 13th round in 2009 out of the University of California-Riverside.
