Rockies reliever Jason Motte out with shoulder strain

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Colorado Rockies reliever Jason Motte has a shoulder strain that manager Walt Weiss says makes it ''very possible'' he'll miss next week's season-opening series against Arizona.

The Rockies signed Motte away from the Chicago Cubs to a two-year, $10 million deal in December. He was competing with newly acquired Jake McGee for the closer's job.

Motte has a 9.53 ERA in six spring appearances and hasn't pitched since March 24. Weiss said Wednesday ''he'll be down for a little bit'' but it's not a long-term injury.

The 33-year-old Motte saved a NL-high 42 games with St. Louis in 2012.