Colorado Rockies Roster News: Hoffman to start Monday, Tapia sent down

As expected, the Colorado Rockies have called up pitcher Jeff Hoffman in time to start Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. In a corresponding move, the Rockies have optioned outfielder Raimel Tapia to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Monday night will be the third appearance of the season for Hoffman, including his second start. He earned his first-ever Major League victory on May 11 in a 10-7 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. In 5.1 innings of work, Hoffman struck out a career-high eight while allowing six hits and three earned runs.

Hoffman will be used for the spot start on Monday night after the Rockies were forced to play a twinbill against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday at the start of this season-long 10-game road trip. The 24-year-old right-hander’s spot start helps the rotation as the Rockies do not have an off day again until June 5.

Tapia, meanwhile, continues to have a frustrating start to his Major League career. Called up after hitting .400 at Triple A, Tapia saw just five at-bats since his call-up on May 12. He went 0-for-5 in those at-bats, including an 0-for-3 performance with three strikeouts in his only start of this call-up, during the nightcap of the May 18 doubleheader at Minnesota.

He is 0-for-12 this season after two separate call-ups. Including his time with the Rockies last September after the roster expansion, the 23-year-old is hitting .200 (10-for-50) with four runs scored, three stolen bases and three RBI.

Next: Little room in Colorado lineup for Tapia it seems...

While Hoffman is slated to start on Monday night, his stay might be short with the team. Colorado will have just a three-man bench as the open their series in Philadelphia. It’s expected that shortstop Trevor Story will be recalled to the team on Tuesday after a brief rehab assignment with Albuquerque. If that happens, Hoffman will likely be sent back to Triple-A to make room for Story.