Moyer earns a spot in Rockies rotation

When Jamie Moyer made his major-league debut in 1986, he went against Steve Carlton - who has been been in the Hall of Fame for 18 years.

Moyer found out Friday that he had made the rotation for Colorado after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery.

"It's an opportunity, and I think it's a great opportunity to try to take it and run with it," said the 49-year-old former Phillie. "I've looked at my whole career as an opportunity, especially as I've gotten older."

Moyer, a graduate of Souderton High and St. Joseph's, has a career record of 267-204 with a 4.24 ERA.

With one victory he will overtake Brooklyn's Jack Quinn as the oldest pitcher to win a big- league game, a mark that has stood since 1932.

"I think it's a great inspiration for some of these young kids to see," said Jason Giambi, Moyer's Colorado teammate who is a relatively spry 41. "If you work hard and you really love the game, this game will find a place for you."

"It is still Jamie Moyer. It's the Jamie Moyer that was pitching prior to the arm injury that cost him the entire 2011 season. It's the same guy," manager Jim Tracy said. "It's the same professional. It's the same stuff, same velocity, same pitches. When he's right, same type of effectiveness."

Moyer, who is entering his 25th major-league season, had a 2.77 ERA this spring to beat out 22-year-old Tyler Chatwood and 28-year-old Guillermo Moscoso for a spot.

"I was excited. I'm happy. I'm honored," Moyer said. "But in the end, like Jim said, 'You earned it.' That was my goal coming here."