JULY 6: The Rockies announced last night that Flande has rejected an outright assignment and elected free agency. The 30-year-old Flande will now be free to sign with any club on what would most likely be a minor league contract.
JULY 2: The Rockies have designated left-handed swingman Yohan Flande for assignment, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post was among those to report (Twitter link). Flande’s departure clears roster space for lefty reliever Jake McGee, who’s returning from a three-week stay on the disabled list because of a sprained knee.
[Related: Updated Rockies Depth Chart]
Flande spent 2008-13 with the Phillies and Braves before cracking the majors in Colorado, where he has been since 2014. In 131 innings and 37 appearances (20 starts) with the Rockies, Flande has racked up a 5.15 ERA, 5.29 K/9 and 3.02 BB/9. The 30-year-old threw 3 2/3 frames for the Rockies this season and allowed five earned on eight hits and three walks before the club designated him. Flande does own an outstanding 58.3 percent ground-ball rate in the big leagues, though a lack of strikeouts and a high home run rate (19.4 percent) have limited his effectiveness.