Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - Franklin Morales will be going back to the organization where he began his professional career, with the Colorado Rockies obtaining the oft-injured hurler from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for utility infielder Jonathan Herrera.
The Rockies will also receive minor league pitcher Chris Martin as part of the swap.
Morales started a pair of postseason games as a highly regarded rookie for Colorado in 2007 and pitched in parts of five seasons with the Rockies before being dealt to the Red Sox in May of 2011. The left-hander worked primarily out of the bullpen for Boston, compiling a 6-7 record with a 3.90 earned run average over 93 games (10 starts) during his tenure with the club.
The 27-year-old Venezuelan was limited to 20 appearances while spending two separate stints on the disabled list last season, going 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 25 1/3 innings of work.
Herrera has served as a dependable role player since breaking into the majors with the Rockies in 2008. In 375 overall games with Colorado, the 29-year-old hit .265 with eight home runs and making starts at second base, shortstop and third base.
The switch-hitter batted a career-best .292 with one homer and 16 RBI over 81 games this past season.
Martin posted a 5-3 record with a 2.25 ERA and five saves over a combined 42 games between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket in 2013.
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