Colorado Rockies roster moves: Ryan McMahon optioned to Triple-A

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: First baseman Ryan McMahon #24 of the Colorado Rockies follows the ball against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 13, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: First baseman Ryan McMahon #24 of the Colorado Rockies follows the ball against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 13, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Colorado Rockies announced before Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs that they are optioning infielder Ryan McMahon to Triple-A Albuquerque.

After making his first MLB opening day roster, infielder Ryan McMahon will be optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

McMahon has really struggled to start the season with the Rockies as in 28 games, he only went 9-for-50 (.180 batting average), with one double, zero homers, and 3 RBI. He also only has an on-base percentage of .317, a slugging percentage of .200, and an OPS+ of 38.

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Taking his spot on the roster is infielder Daniel Castro. Castro has started the season in Triple-A Albuquerque very well as in 23 games, he has a .407/.429/.516 slash line with 11 RBI. He has 37 hits in 91 at bats, including eight doubles and a triple. He is mainly a middle infielder but he has also played a little bit of right field and third base in the majors in minors.

He does have some MLB experience as he took part in 80 games in 2015 and 2016 with the Atlanta Braves. Offensively, he did not have a great stint in the majors as he only hit .217/.250/.265 with an OPS+ of 41.

Castro was not on the Rockies 40-man roster so to get on the 40-man roster, the Rockies moved left-handed reliever Zac Rosscup from the 10-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. He has been on the disabled list since the end of Spring Training with a blister on his left middle finger.

Final Thoughts

It’s a little bit surprising to see McMahon being optioned down to Albuquerque as he has had three hits in his last five at-bats (spanning five games, only one of which was a start). He also had three walks in that span as well.

However, I can’t say that I’m completely shocked by him being optioned as it is obvious that the Rockies need to make some changes and McMahon has minor league options, not been playing regularly, and he hasn’t played well.

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He’ll obviously see some more time at the major league level soon but McMahon needs to become a bit more seasoned in Albuquerque and they need something to help the offense and they are hoping that Castro will be that guy.