Colorado Rockies: July 14 minor league report and prospect update

AAA Albuquerque Isotopes (45-45, Second in Pacific Coast League – Pacific Southern)

After a sluggish first half, outfielder Jordan Patterson appears to be turning it around. After being named PCL player of the week for June 19-25, Patterson has been on fire. In Albuquerque’s first game of the second half, Patterson homered twice, one of which was a grand slam. In his last ten games, Patterson is only hitting .421 with four homers.

Just like the big leaguers, the PCL had their All-Star contest earlier this week. Outfielder Noel Cuevas was the lone Isotope represented. Cuevas singled in his only at bat which came in the bottom of the seventh inning. Mr. Cuevas wasn’t the only Isotope participating in some All-Star fun, corner infielder Ryan McMahon got in on some action at the Futures game in Miami. McMahon went 0-for-1 at the plate but did manage to get some attention with his glove work.

In other news out of Albuquerque, Antonio Senzatela made his first start since being sent down. Fairing well, Antonio allowed one earned run in 3.2 innings of work. It remains to be seen when Antonio will be back in Denver, but as Bud Black and Co. continues to juggle its staff, you can bet he’ll be involved in the down stretch of the season. Emerging prospect and possible trade chip Mike Tauchman continued to rake as he went 3-for-5 in the ‘Topes return to action. Tauchman only 8-for12 since being sent down July 7th.

AA Hartford Yard Goats (38-50, Fifth in Eastern League – Eastern)

HE’SSSSS BACKKKKKKKKK. The most exciting news of the past few weeks happened in Hartford on Thursday night. Starting pitcher Chad Bettis made his much-anticipated return to baseball action. Bettis made a statement with his performance. The opposition struck out three times and didn’t manage a hit against Chad in his two innings of work. With the way Bettis carried himself, it’s clear he is determined to make a significant impact this season. Thursday night left no doubt.

It wouldn’t be a Yard Goats post without checking in on Rockies’ #1 prospect Brendan Rodgers. Akin to McMahon, Rodgers also represented the Rockies at this weeks Futures Game and performed very well. Rodgers would score for the winning USA side in the fourth inning after hitting single. Rodgers also collected a sacrifice fly RBI.  The highlight of the night for team Rox came when Rodgers fielded a hot shot to start the third inning, you can catch the highlight below.

Outside of Bettis and Rodgers, there isn’t much to see in Hartford as they are not having an ideal year. 23-year-old first baseman Corelle Prime has been the teams hottest hitter. Over his last ten games, Prime is hitting .385 and has five doubles on the year. Also holding his own at the dish is right-fielder Drew Weeks who now has 16 doubles in 2017.

Advanced-A Lancaster JetHawks (11-10, Second in California League – South)

In another very exciting comeback story, Rockies outfielder David Dahl has finally returned to game action. Dahl hasn’t played since the first week of Spring Training and due to the uncertainty of his injuries, it was unclear when Dahl would ever return. Thus far in two games, Dahl has a hand full of hits including a home run. All signs point to Denver.

Outfielder Yonathan Daza has been big time at the plate for Lancaster this year. Over his last ten games, Daza is hitting .349, but more importantly, his 23 doubles on the year are good enough for third in the California League.

If you notice the teams record above, you may feel something is off. As this writer learned, A ball teams technically have two seasons that are broken up by the All-Star Break. Lancaster has been .500 thus far in the second half but the JetHawks were indeed the CAL South first half champions.

In other notable news, number six overall prospect Peter Lambert tossed six scoreless innings this past Wednesday. The performance was outstanding, but what is surprising is that as one of the organizations stop strike out artists, Lambert only struck out three in this one. Lambert is now 8-7 on the season.

A Asheville Tourists (13-8, Second in South Atlantic League – Southern)

Alejandro Requena (NR) continues to be the brightest spot on Asheville’s pitching staff. In his latest start this week, Requena earned his seventh win of the season while striking out a career high 10. Requena has now pitched 100 innings on the season to the tune of a 2.74 ERA.

On the offensive end, shortstop/third baseman Jose Gomez continues to impress. Coming off an All-Star appearance, Gomez has collected four multi-hit games over the last 10 contests. Fellow middle infielder Max George has followed Gomez’s lead. George has three multi-hit games in his last 10 games while carrying a .353 average.

Top pitching prospect Riley Pint hasn’t been blowing the competition out of the water, but he has been consistent. Over his last four starts, Pint has posted a game ERA between 4.00 and 5.00 while striking out 19 over 16 innings. It appears Pint is on track as he is still extremely young for the South Atlantic League.

More from Rox Pile

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• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?
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Organization Leaders (Min: 100 AB; 15 IP)

AVG: Ryan McMahon .383; Colton Welker .365; Yonathan Daza .356
SLG: Ryan McMahon .660; Vince Fernandez .562; Mike Tauchman .554
OBP: Ryan McMahon .412; Colton Welker .409; Jan Vazquez .405
2B: Willie Abreau 25; Yonathan Daza 23; Wes Rodgers 21
3B: Derrik Gibson 9; Noel Cuevas 8; Garret Hampson 7
HR: Jordan Patterson 16; Sam Hilliard 12; Brian Mundell 12

Next: Rox Trade Rumors: Relief Pitcher Edition

W: Craig Schlitter 10; Peter Lambert 8; four tied with 7
ERA: James Farris 1.45; Shane Broyles 1.51; Justin Lawrence 1.63
S: Shane Broyles 11; James Farris 9; J.D. Hammer 7
IP: Peter Lambert 107; Alejandro Requena 105; Jack 103.1
G: Sam Moll 35; Austin House 34; Two tied with 32
WHIP: Reid Humphreys 0.74; James Farris 0.86; Justin Lawrence 0.86