Colorado Rockies roster moves: Raimel Tapia and Tony Wolters recalled

The Rockies made a few roster moves before the start of their three-game interleague series with the Kansas City Royals in the first leg of their six-game roadtrip.

Before today’s game with the Kansas City Royals, the Rockies announced on Twitter that they made a few roster moves. Outfielder Raimel Tapia and catcher Tony Wolters were recalled from Triple-A Albquerque. In corresponding moves, the Rockies placed catcher Ryan Hanigan on the 10- day disabled list with a groin strain and outfield Mike Tauchman was optioned back to Albuquerque.

Raimel Tapia

Tapia spent just less than two weeks in Triple-A as he last played in the majors on August 9 against Cleveland. In 51 total games in Albuquerque this season, Tapia has been tearing the league up as he had 84 hits, 43 runs, 19 doubles, 29 RBI, and a .361 batting average.

Tony Wolters

Wolters struggled all season, both defensively and offensively, before the Rockies acquired Jonathan Lucroy on July 30, just before the trade deadline.

In 14 games in Albuquerque, Wolters did not hit for a particularly high average as he hit .259 (14-for-54) but he has been hitting more for power and extra base power as he has six runs, five doubles, two home runs, a triple, nine RBI, and a .500 slugging percentage. In 67 games in the majors this season, he had 30 runs, 50 hits, eight doubles, a triple, zero home runs, 14 RBI, and a .297 slugging percentage.

Ryan Hanigan

Hanigan is one of a few Rockies who have had groin issues this season. Kyle Freeland spent time on the disabled list for it and DJ LeMahieu was out for a couple of games with a “groin cramp” a few weeks back.

Considering how long Freeland and LeMahieu took with their injuries (Freeland was out the minimum of 10 days), you would have to believe that it would around the same time period for Hanigan. He would be eligible to come of the disabled list on September 1, which happens to be the day that rosters expand from 25 to 40. Once he comes off the DL, he can just be placed on the MLB roster again without having to have a corresponding move.

Mike Tauchman

Tauchman was only recalled before their last series with Milwaukee. Tauchman had three plate appearances (all as a pinch hitter) and he struck out twice and walked. Once major league roster expand to 40, I suspect that he will be back up (if the Isotopes don’t make the playoffs. Currently, they are in third place but just 2 1/2 games back of the league leading Salt Lake Bees).

Tuesday’s starting lineup

The Rockies also tweeted out their lineup for tonight’s game.

https://twitter.com/Rockies/status/900100412241354752

Next: A preview of the series with Kansas City

To me, it’s very interesting that Pat Valaika is the designated hitter…and batting ninth. For the other two games, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carlos Gonzalez and Mark Reynolds would see some time at DH.