As the Rockies deal with inconsistency in their starting rotation, in addition to facing several question marks in their bullpen, the good news is there is plenty of pitching potential down on the farm.
Headlining that list is right-hander Jeff Hoffman, who’s been up and down from Triple-A Albuquerque over the past four seasons. He gave up four runs in five innings in his one big-league start this year, but has shown the potential for another call-up with several strong recent outings with the Isotopes.
“He’s had to sort of balance things out as I’ve had to scratch him a couple times in Triple-A as a just-in-case basis for him coming up,” Rockies farm director Zach Wilson said. “But he’s dealt with all that very well, and continues to just go out and pitch.”
Meanwhile, the organization’s top pitching prospect, right-hander Peter Lambert, is beginning to find his footing in Triple-A after a few early-season stumbles. That’s evidenced by his seven-inning, one-run gem on May 8 against El Paso, as well as the small steps the 22-year-old is taking in-between each start.
“Lambert got off to a bit of a slow start, but his last three starts have been much better,” Wilson said. “It’s easy to forgot how youthful he still is… He’s still beyond his years in how he pitches, and with each outing he learns. He has tremendous aptitude.”
Elsewhere in the Isotopes’ rotation, right-hander Ryan Castellani has been on the injured list since May 6 with an elbow issue Wilson said is minor. He expects Castellani to be back “sooner rather than later,” while left-hander Evan Grills also just returned from the injury list and has been throwing out of the Isotopes’ bullpen.
Due to the various injuries within the Isotopes’ rotation — including Tyler Anderson being unable to make any starts for Albuquerque since his demotion due to his ongoing left knee issue — Wilson had to bring aboard some fresh arms, signing right-hander Tim Melville and left-hander Pat Dean.Melville pitched briefly in the majors in 2016 and 2017, while Dean made 19 appearances for the Twins in 2016. Both are 29 years old and were playing independent baseball before being signed by Colorado.
“They’re guys who are strike-throwers and had been consistent with getting outs throughout their careers,” Wilson said.“Any pitchers who are in Triple-A are obviously options for us. We’re just getting to know them. These guys are not nobodies — these are real, experienced pitchers with some pedigree. We’ll see how they go through our process, but we don’t sign guys just to release them a week later.”
In the bullpen, both Albuquerque and Double-A Hartford are rife with potent arms who are nearing, or already on, the major-league bubble. Yard Goats closer Ben Bowden, a left-hander, has a 1.84 ERA in 15 appearances and has converted all 11 save opportunities. His performance, along with the potential of Albuquerque arms such as Jairo Diaz, Phillip Diehl, Jesus Tinoco, Justin Lawrence, and the recently-traded-for James Pazos, gives Wilson faith that the farm system can aid the big club well into the future.
“We have depth a lot of places, but we certainly have some depth if you look at our bullpen arms,” Wilson said. “Those (aforementioned) guys, they’ve got great fastballs, they’ve got aggressive stuff and they pitch with no fear. That’s exactly what Ben’s doing right now.”
— , The Denver Post
What’s on Tap
- At Philadelphia Phillies, 5 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- At Philadelphia Phillies, 2 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- At Philadelphia Phillies, 11 a.m. Sunday, ATTRM
Must-Read
Kiszla: To climb back in playoff race, Rockies need rookie Brendan Rodgers to erase regret of letting DJ LeMahieu leave town
The reason Colorado can’t afford to be patient with Rodgers? Second base has become a sinkhole in the Rockies’ infield. Read more…
Brendan Rodgers, Rockies’ top prospect, getting major-league call on Friday
Infielder Brendan Rodgers, the Rockies’ top prospect, will be called up on Friday and added to the major-league roster. Read more…
As Rockies OF David Dahl cements himself in the majors, his wife is becoming her own star in the professional sports world
David Dahl, in his first season as a full-time staple in the Rockies outfield, has arrived in the professional sports world. So, too, has his wife. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Rockies podcast: Breaking down Colorado’s disappointments, surprises and more at the quarter point
+ Rockies podcast: Assessing the impact of Brendan Rodgers’ call-up to the big leagues
+ Rockies’ Trevor Story avoids major knee injury after outfield collision
+ Rockies whiff 16 times, fall in extra innings to Red Sox
+ Rockies beat Red Sox in 11 innings despite striking out 24 times
+ Rockies’ bullpen: The good, bad and ugly through the first quarter of 2019
+ Why Rockies lefty Tyler Anderson is calling in help, and second opinion, in battle over his wounded knee
+ Saunders: Rockies’ early pitching woes putting playoff hopes in jeopardy
+Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team?Ask Patrick Saunders here.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
5
With Brendan Rodgers headed to the majors, here’s a revised look at the Rockies’ top 5 prospect
Here’s a look at the remaining top Rockies prospects, with Rodgers and fellow infielding prospect Garrett Hampson (who made the opening day roster but has since been optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque) discounted from the list. Read more…
Parting Shot
Talkin’ (old-school) baseball and remembering “Willie, Mickey, and the Duke”
A number of baseball purists long for old-school baseball — back when pitchers wanted to finish what they started and hitters were more worried about hitting for average instead of launch angles. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.comortweet me .
