ROSTER ADJUSTMENT

The Rockies lost outfield prospect Jeff Salazar on waivers Wednesday to Arizona, an indication that veteran John Mabry has won the battle for the 25th spot on the roster.

Mabry and Ryan Spilborghs are the remaining candidates, but the role should provide limited at-bats, which would make a veteran player such as Mabry more suited to handle it.

APPEAL PENDING

Left-handed pitcher Jeff Francis is not expected to have the appeal of his five-game suspension for throwing at San Diego third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff heard until the Rockies are in New York to play the Mets on April 23-26. Francis, though, could decide before then to drop the appeal and serve the suspension. He is scheduled to pitch the second game this season, Tuesday against Arizona at Coors Field, and the seventh game, April 9 at Los Angeles in the Dodgers' home opener.

GAME DAY

2 runs driven in by Matt Holliday, with a sacrifice and a line-drive double over center fielder Alfonso Soriano's head, in the Rockies' 4-4, 10-inning tie against the Chicago Cubs at Ho Ho Kam Park on Wednesday. . . . The Cubs remain interested in shortstop Clint Barmes, but word is they would send him to Triple-A Iowa and have balked at the Rockies' proposal of right-handed pitcher Michael Wuertz in return. . . . Right fielder Brad Hawpe reported minimal problems with his sprained left ankle Wednesday and is expected to be on the active roster Opening Day, along with catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who sprained his right ankle. . . . With a dicey weather forecast for Friday, the Rockies could decide to leave Rodrigo Lopez, scheduled to start Wednesday in the third game this season, in Arizona so he can get in his work in a minor league game.