Colorado Rockies: Prospect Stephen Cardullo Promoted to Big Leagues

Earlier today the Colorado Rockies called up Triple-A prospect outfielder Stephen Cardullo. First baseman Ben Paulsen was sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque last night.

Currently Stephen Cardullo is not on the team’s 40-man roster. The most likely scenario is one of shortstop Trevor Story, first baseman Mark Reynolds or reliever Scott Oberg to be put on the 60-day DL which would free up a roster spot.

Cardullo was a 24th-round pick in 2010 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He spent his first two seasons playing in the rookie Pioneer League with Missoula (81 games combined). From there he spent the next four seasons in the independent leagues, including time playing in Canada.

After a productive 2015 season, the Rockies signed Cardullo to a minor league contract. He had a good spring training and was assigned to Triple-A Albuquerque, where he has played in 115 games, batting .308, with 125 hits, 17 HR, 72 RBI, an OBP of .367 and an OPS of .889.

He was named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for August 8-14, where he hit .417 (10-for-24) in six games to go along with three doubles, three home runs and nine RBI. He posted a .917 slugging percentage and a .444 on-base percentage. Cardullo’s 22 total bases and six extra-base hits during the stretch also led the league.

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During his college career Cardullo played at Florida State, where he was a walk-on in 2007. Current FSU assistant coach Mike Martin Jr. is thrilled with Cardullo’s promotion.

“It is absolutely unbelievable, an incredible story,” FSU assistant coach Martin Jr. said Friday morning via Jim Henry of the Tallahassee Democrat. “Man oh man oh man, what a great story. That is special, that is what it’s all about.”

Cardullo is listed as an outfielder by the Isotopes, but he has also spent time at first base. The Rockies are likely to have a platoon approach at first for the rest of the season, which will probably include Cardullo.

Cardullo is already in Washington and may make his MLB debut tonight versus the Nationals.

Not too many 28-year-old’s with four years in the independent leagues make it to the majors.

What a great effort by Cardullo to make it to the big leagues!

Next: Colorado Rockies: Previewing the Road Series in Washington

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and MiLB.com unless otherwise indicated.