Rockies pitching prospects Sam Howard and Ryan Castellani, along with infielder Ryan McMahon, head the least of 22 non-roster invitees receiving invitations to major league spring training camp. The list was announced Thursday.
The left-handed Howard, 23, and the right-handed Castellani, 20, are considered two of the Rockies most promising young pitchers. The Rockies drafted Howard out of Georgia Southern in the third round in 2014, while Castellani was selected in the second round of the same draft out of Brophy Jesuit High School in Arizona.
Though McMahon struggled last season with Double-A Hartford — hitting .242/.325/.399 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 534 plate appearances — he is considered a top prospect. He will likely see time both at third base and first base in his second major-league camp.
Two other pitchers to keep a close watch on this spring are left-handers Kyle Freeland and Harrison Musgrave, both of whom advanced to Triple-A Albuquerque last season. Veteran first baseman Mark Reynolds, who signed a one-year, minor-league deal with the Rockies on Wednesday, also received an invitation to major-league camp.
Rockies pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 12 at Salt Rivers Fields in Scottsdale. The first official workouts for pitchers and catchers is Feb. 14. The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 20.
Rockies non-roster invitees
Following is the full list of non-roster invitees, by position:
Left-handed pitchers: Freeland, Howard, Musgrave and Jerry Vasto.
Right-handed pitchers: Matt Carasiti, Castellani, James Farris, Johendi Jiminian and C.C. Lee.
Catchers: Anthony Bemboom, Dom Nunez , Chris Rabago and Jan Vazquez.
Outfielders: Chris Denorfia, Noel Cuevas, Rosell Herrera and Michael Tauchman.
Infielders: Stephen Cardullo, Daniel Castro, Reynolds, McMahon and Rafael Ynoa.
