The Colorado Rockies announced Friday that left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander has been designated for assignment. In his place the team recalled right-handed pitcher Tanner Gordon from Triple-A, who will make the start in the opening game against the New York Yankees.

Alexander, 35, signed a one-year $2 million deal with the Rockies at the start of Spring Training in February. The Rockies hoped that Alexander would be a suitable veteran in the bullpen, serving as a stable lefty for a right-handed heavy and young pen. Unfortunately, the results haven’t followed for the veteran with the dismal Rockies.

Through 19 games this season, Alexander is 1-1 with a 6.09 ERA in 16 1/3 innings of work. He struggled with command, issuing seven walks against six strikeouts while allowing 11 runs on 20 hits, including four home runs. To his credit, the bulk of runs came in just two outings, but he was used primarily to simply get an out or two to escape an inning, something the Rockies don’t necessarily need at this point of the season. He specifically struggled at Coors Field, posting a 7.20 ERA while opponents slashed .341/.408/.727 against the soft-tosser. He has slightly better luck against lefties, but they still hit .290 against him while righties hit .333 against him.

Gordon returns to the big league roster to make his second start of the season. Pitching in Triple-A with the Albuquerque Isotopes, Gordon owns a 6.23 ERA in 39 innings over eight starts. In the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, Gordon has 26 strikeouts against 10 walks while opponents have hit .343 against him. In his lone big league start this season, Gordon allowed seven runs (four earned) on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers on May 8. In his big league career, Gordon has made nine starts and owns an 8.19 ERA. He tends to pound the zone but that has led to plenty of hits alongside 30 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings.

The need for the change stems from the placement of Chase Dollander on the 15-day IL with forearm tightness, who was supposed to start on Friday. Alexander could still garner interest from the league as he has been successful over the last few seasons.

The Rockies now have 38 players on the 40-man roster.