Colorado Rockies news and notes: Bettis, Garneau, and Arenado’s walk-off

DENVER, CO - JULY 23: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies throws out Josh Harrison of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Coors Field on July 23, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JULY 23: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies throws out Josh Harrison of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Coors Field on July 23, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

We have news and notes for you on Chad Bettis, Dustin Garneau, and Nolan Arenado’s walk-off walk yesterday.

Chad Bettis made his fifth minor league rehab start with Triple-A Albuquerque last night and he did not fair well. He went 5 2/3 innings and he allowed eight hits, five runs (all earned), two walks, and five strikeouts. Bettis was saddled with the loss as the Isotopes lost to the Round Rock Express (the Triple-A team of the Texas Rangers) by a score of 6-1.

He, of course, has been recovering from testicular cancer and he has not appeared at the major league level since 2016.

Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports in this article that Bettis will likely make one more start for Albuquerque before being elevated to the major leagues. If he stays on a schedule of four days of rest between starts, his first start back would be on Sunday, August 13, which would be the series finale for the Rockies and Miami Marlins in Miami.

Dustin Garneau

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Earlier today, the Oakland Athletics claimed Rockies catcher Dustin Garneau off of waivers. Garneau became expendable especially after the Rockies acquired Jonathan Lucroy on July 30. He has played 68 games with the Rockies in the past three seasons combined. He had little success as he hit .199 with a .259 on-base percentage and a .335 slugging percentage.

This season in Triple-A Albuquerque, the 29 year old Garneau has played in 36 games and he has 10 HRs, 26 RBIs, a .281 average, .347 on-base percentage, and a .617 slugging percentage.

He has been in the Rockies organization for his entire career and this was his 9th season in the organization.

Nolan Arenado and his walk-off walk

After starting with an 0-2 count, Nolan Arenado walked with the bases loaded in the ninth inning driving in the winning run in the Rockies’ 5-4 win over the Mets on Thursday.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Arenado had walked only once in 83 plate appearances in which he started with an 0-2 count this season prior to Thursday’s action.

Also according to the Elias Sports Bureau, it marked the first time in over 11 years the Rockies won a game with a game-ending walk. The last player to do it was Jamey Carroll was issued a free pass with the bases loaded in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros (then of the National League) giving Colorado a 5-4 victory on May 5, 2006.

Next: Phillies/Rockies series preview

For the fans who want a blast to the past, here was the Rockies starting lineup that day:

  1. Cory Sullivan, CF
  2. Jamey Carroll, 2B
  3. Todd Helton, 1B
  4. Garrett Atkins, 3B
  5. Matt Holliday, LF
  6. Brad Hawpe, RF
  7. Clint Barmes, SS
  8. Danny Ardoin, C
  9. Byung-Hyun Kim, P