As the Rockies navigate the most frustrating stretch of their season, don’t look for Charlie Condon to provide a boost.
Despite a solid Triple-A season, the Rockies are not planning to call him up in September.
“It is unlikely,” general manager Josh Byrnes told The Post on Tuesday. “It is a combination of factors.”
The team will promote infielder Adael Amador this week, giving the former top prospect another look as the Rockies enter Tuesday trying to snap a 10-game home losing streak. Organizations can exchange a player for player or pitcher for pitcher during this month from the minor leagues with the roster expanding by two spots.
While that remains a fluid situation, keeping Condon in Triple-A is more concrete.
Renck: Time for Rockies to call up Charlie Condon to big leagues — in September or sooner
No one in baseball, from executives to the MLBPA, will discuss the impact on this decision by the looming lockout when the collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1. But it would be naive to think it is not playing a role.
Across baseball, front offices face the uncomfortable question of whether to place top prospects on the 40-man roster or slow play promotions to protect their long-term development. Condon, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft, falls in this category.
If a Rockies player is added to the 40-man roster -- Condon does not have to be until four seasons in the minor leagues -- he can not use the team's facilities in Scottsdale or Denver, report to spring training or participate in minor league games, even with diluted talent, during a lockout.
By not promoting Condon, it also allows the Rockies to use his 40-man spot to protect another prospect, which can be valuable when an organization is rebuilding.
After injuries undermined parts of two seasons, Condon has gained traction this year in Triple-A. He is hitting .271 with a .390 on-base percentage with 22 home runs and 50 extra base hits in 113 games. He has played solid defense as a first baseman and corner outfielder.
"It would be exciting to get the call," Condon told the Post on Aug. 13. "But I can’t lose sleep over something out of my control."
For now, Condon is left to finish strong before aiming to establish himself as part of the Rockies' core next season.
