The Rockies activated closer Rafael Betancourt off the disabled listed Friday. To make room for him, they optioned struggling right-handed starter Juan Nicasio to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Betancourt, 38, was available for Friday night’s game against the Giants at Coors Field. He is 1-3 in 22 appearances with 11 saves and has a 3.20 ERA. Nicasio, 26, is 4-4 this season with a 5.31 ERA, but is 1-4 in his past 10 starts. Though he throws an electric fastball, he’s been inconsistent throwing it, and he’s struggled to command his changeup and slider.

Nicasio’s demotion means left-hander Drew Pomeranz will start Sunday’s game against the Giants. The Denver Post first reported Thursday that Pomeranz would start Sunday.

There had been speculation that Nicasio, who has a fastball that can reach 97 mph, might be moved to the bullpen as a middle reliever. Although the Rockies discussed that option, they believe Nicasio remains more valuable as a starting pitcher.

“It came up and we talked about it, but for his development, it’s important that he’s making starts, and maintaining his arm strength,” manager Walt Weiss said before Friday’s game. “It’s tough to develop starters, so I think it’s more beneficial for him, and us, if he’s down (at Triple-A) making starts.

“Hopefully this will give Juan time to go down there and iron some things out, and he can help us again.”

Weiss acknowledged that Nicasio has things to work on.

“We want him to be aggressive, attack the (strike) zone and be more efficient,” Weiss said. “He’s shown he can dominate lineups up here at times, but it’s just a matter of consistency.”

A roster move to activate Pomeranz isn’t required until Sunday. The Rockies could demote another pitcher, possibly reliever Rob Scahill or Manuel Corpas, or they might considering sending down slumping outfielder Tyler Colvin.

Pomeranz, who was acquired from the Cleveland Indians in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade nearly two years ago, pitched very well in his past three starts for Colorado Springs, earning him a promotion. The left-hander is 8-1 at Triple-A this year with a 4.20 ERA. He has 96 strikeouts against 33 walks.

“He’s put together a nice year down there and the last couple of times have been really good,” Weiss said. “He’s been efficient and he has a good arm. There is some deception there and some finish to his stuff. He’s done a nice job ironing some things out down there.”

Weiss said Pomeranz’s situation is similar right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who was called up twice from Triple-A, the last time on May 18. He’s developed into arguably the Rockies’ best starting pitcher, going 4-1 with a 2.13 ERA in nine starts.

“I think it’s very similar,” Weiss said. “I think (Pomeranz) has gone down there and he’s done those things.”