Flande refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque and elected free agency.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty was bumped from the 40-man roster over the weekend, and instead of playing out the rest of the season as depth in the minors, Flande has decided to seek his fortunes elsewhere. Flande has averaged just over five strikeouts per nine innings in parts of three seasons at the major league level and his six-year track record at Triple-A leaves a lot to be desired.

Flande was designated for assignment Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jake McGee's return from the disabled list meant that the Rockies needed to clear a roster spot, and Flande's recent performance put him on the chopping block. After a clean outing against the Diamondbacks last weekend, things fell apart for Flande on Tuesday against the Blue Jays when he gave up a staggering five runs over just 2.2 innings of work. He'll now be subject to waivers and could benefit from joining a club that does not call Coors Field its home park.

Flande was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flande made his second stay in the majors last year with the Rockies where he made 19 appearances and pitched to a 4.74 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 68.1 innings. He'll now rejoin the organization and add depth to Colorado's bullpen. With Triple-Albuquerque this season, the 30-year-old compiled a 4.25 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 42.1 innings. In a corresponding roster move, Miguel Castro was sent down to Triple-A.

Flande was reassigned to minor league camp Saturday

EDGE Analysis

This move was rather expected after manager Walt Weiss said Thursday that the Rockies would be using a four-man rotation to start the season. Flande will work down in the minors for at least the beginning of the year, likely in the Triple-A rotation, and could be one of the first Rockies' arms due for a call-up if Weiss needs to adjust the rotation.

Flande will not be a part of the rotation to start the season after manager Walt Weiss announced that the Rockies will be employing a four-man rotation to start the season, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flande was pitching well during spring training, but has not appeared in a game in the past week and may be in jeopardy of not making the roster. With this development, the left-hander may end up merely acting as organizational depth after the conclusion of spring training.

Flande could be the No. 5 starter to begin the season due to the injury to Jon Gray (abdomen), Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Other candidates for the last rotation spot include right-handers David Hale and Christian Bergman, in addition to left-hander Chris Rusin (finger), although he'll miss the beginning of the season with an injury as well. Colorado has also not ruled out the possibility of using a four-man rotation at the onset of the season given that they have two off days in the first week. Flande was not originally considered a viable option for the rotation when he signed with the Rockies in February, but he has been impressive during spring training, posting a 14:1 K/BB ratio in 10 innings of work. This solid showing could vault him into the final rotation spot until Gray returns.

Flande signed a minor league contract with the Rockies on Thursday that includes and invitation to spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Flande spent a lot of 2015 pitching in the majors with the Rockies, but only produced a 4.74 ERA, which led the Rockies to non-tender him in December. He'll return to the Rockies for 2016, although the left-hander will likely serve as organizational depth unless he can improve a fair amount during the spring.

Flande wasn't tendered a contract offer Wednesday by the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Flande was on the big league club for a majority of the 2015 season but it was an up and down year overall. He had a 4.74 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in his 68.1 innings pitched which amounted to his 3-3 record. He will become a free agent for the 2016 season, as the Rockies decided to go another direction.

Flande (knee) will not make another start this season, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Rockies haven't ruled out the possibility of Flande returning this season, but it will have to come out of the bullpen, as manager Walt Weiss has already set his rotation for the final week. Because the bruised knee has kept Flande out since Sept. 19, the lefty won't have enough time to get stretched back out for a starting role before the season ends.

Flande (knee) might pitch at some point next week, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

After announcing Wednesday that rookie Jon Gray (manager's decision) and Jorge De La Rosa (Achilles) would be shut down for the season, Rockies manager Walt Weiss set his rotation for the weekend series against the Dodgers, with Flande not included among the scheduled starters. Flande, who was in line to toe the rubber Friday, will be replaced by David Hale in the outing. The 29-year-old is still recovering from a knee bruise he sustained in a Sept. 19 start, but has shown improvement of late and could be cleared to throw again next week, though it's unclear if he would be available to start or simply as a bullpen option.