Colorado Rockies: June 26 minor league report and prospect update

AAA Albuquerque Isotopes (38-37, Second in PCL-Pacific Southern)

Albuquerque scored 12 unanswered runs on Sunday night to secure their 38th win of the year. Prospective stud Ryan McMahon went 1-for-4 with a double in the contest and now has impressively earned 41 hits in just 22 games at Triple-A (good for a .423 AVG). The Rockies don not have a place for McMahon on the roster, but McMahon is diversifying his abilities regardless. McMahon has started games at third, first, and second base in his short time in New Mexico.

In other Albuquerque news, catcher Dustin Garneau has been tearing up Triple-A since being sent down earlier this season. Through 18 games, Garneau has carried a .394 average to go along with six dingers and 13 RBIs. Due to injuries at the major-league level, Garneau started the year in Denver but managed a .206 average in 68 at-bats.

Jordan Patterson was named PCL player of the week for June 19-25. In that span, Patterson earned three homers while slashing a line of .423/.483/.846. Before this, Patterson has had a lackluster 2017 season.

Even with the outstanding week, Patterson is sitting at uninspiring .256 average. Hopefully, the great week will carry over for the lefty outfielder. On a final note, you may have heard that Jon Gray has made his final rehab start and is now ready to pitch for the Rockies this coming weekend (“THANK YOU BASEBALL GODS!”).

AA Hartford Yard Goats (32-41, Fifth in Eastern League – Eastern)

Just 3-7 in their last ten games, Hartford doesn’t have much to look forward to on the field. With the loss of McMahon to promotion, the Hartford offensive has sputtered. Catcher Jan Vazquez’s .278 average is the only one on the club that is north of .260. Not to worry though. Just as they ushered one prospect out, Hartford welcomes a new one in.

More from Colorado Rockies Prospects

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• Colorado Rockies: Ezequiel Tovar to make his debut today
• Colorado Rockies: Potential players for September call-ups
• Colorado Rockies call up no. 14 prospect Michael Toglia
• MLB Pipeline: The Colorado Rockies’ farm system has strengthened … a lot

The Rockies’ #1 prospect Brendan Rodgers made his Double-A debut this week. So far, the hot hitting that made Rodgers the pride of the California League has not carried over. In four games, Rodgers is just 2-for-14. Lost in the excitement of Rodgers’ promotion is the fact that #19 prospect Brian Mundell also made his Double-A debut this week. Mundell is 4-for-14 with one double.

Meanwhile, Yency Almonte (#12 Rockies prospect) made his fourth start since recovering from a shoulder issue. Almonte yielded two earned runs in 5.2 innings and struck out four. In nine starts, Almonte owns a sparkling 1.96 ERA in 2017.

Now with the All-Star break approaching, a check on some other top prospects is in order. Dom Nunez, the Rockies’ top catching prospect (#8 overall) is hitting a meager .208 on the year but does possess a .357 OBP despite a low average. Left-hander Sam Howard (Rockies’ #14 prospect) was recently called up to Triple-A after posting a 2.33 ERA in nine starts.

A Asheville Tourists (41-31, Second in South Atlantic League – Southern)

Call to the Pen

Despite being 10 games below .500, Asheville is somehow tied for second in the SAL Southern Division. Profiled by third baseman Colton Welker (Rockies’ #11 overall prospect), the Tourists are 4-6 over their last ten games.

Welker has been an offensive force in the first-half (.365 AVG, 5 HR). Welker’s .365 AVG is nearly 40 points higher than the guy currently occupying second in the SAL.

Alejandro Requena (NR) has been the brightest spot on Asheville’s pitching staff, spinning a masterful 2.70 ERA on the year. Requena will hope to demonstrate some consistency as he takes to the hill this evening.

Also having notable a first half is first baseman Vince Fernandez (NR), and shortstop Jose Gomez (#25 prospect). In the case of Gomez, he leads all SAL shortstops with a .315 average and 13 stolen bases. In that same vain, Fernandez leads all SAL outfielders with a .324 AVG and leads the team with 11 dingers on the year.

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Finally, a report on Asheville wouldn’t be complete without a checkup on top pitching prospect Riley Pint. Pint, who is nearly three years younger than the competition, appears to be on track. Pint tossed four innings while surrendering two earned runs and striking out five hitters in his most recent start.