Colorado Rockies: Searching for answers in September call-ups

Begging for big bats

Some familiar faces could offer the lethargic Rockies offense some much-needed pop at the plate.

Garrett Hampson made his Major League debut in late July, playing in seven games while DJ LeMahieu was on the disabled list. The 23-year-old was impressive, collecting six hits (two for extra bases) and four walks in 24 plate appearances. He continues to torch pitchers with Triple-A Albuquerque — he has at least one hit in every game since heading back down — and is sure to be in the Rockies dugout come September 1. He’d be an upgrade over Pat Valaika as a fill-in on rest days and for pinch-hitting situations.

Outfielder Raimel Tapia provided one of this season’s greatest moments with his pinch-hit grand slam off the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Archie Bradley on July 20. The outfielder hasn’t done much else with the 2018 Rockies (David Dahl clearly surpassed him as a left-handed outfielder of choice), but, last September, Tapia went 6-for-16 as a pinch hitter. The Rockies could use a dose of that September swagger.

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More of a wild card is first baseman Jordan Patterson. The 26-year-old is slashing .275/.376/.532 for Albuquerque, and while that batting average isn’t eye-popping, he leads the team with 22 homers and just became the Isotopes all-time home-run leader. He was called up in July for three glorious days, but never got into a game. The 2013 draft pick should be eager to prove himself if the Rockies give him an opportunity.

Then there are names fans would love to see at Coors Field. First, could shortstop Brendan Rodgers, the Rockies’ top prospect, sneak onto onto the 40-man roster and make his Major League debut in September? Though he is almost certain to be on the team in 2019, the Rockies don’t want to rush his development. His maligned plate discipline improved this year with Double-A Hartford, but we’ll have to see how things go in Albuquerque.

And, of course, there’s Rockies legend and perpetual plate-toucher Matt Holliday. He should be called up by September, but it’s hard to imagine him having a massive impact other than “clubhouse presence.” In 105 games with the New York Yankees last season, the 38-year-old slashed .231/.316/.432 with 19 home runs.

But imagine Holliday entering the game to pinch hit in a tight contest at Coors Field. That scene alone — not to mention its effect on an opposing pitcher — could make his presence worth it.

Digging for pitching prospects

For better or worse, it doesn’t look like a call-up is going to significantly help the Rockies’ struggling bullpen.

Carlos Estevez is still trying to regain his old form. The flame-throwing rightie spent two months on the DL with an oblique strain before heading for rehab in Albuquerque in late June. Don’t mind his 8.00 ERA and 1.94 WHIP — he has just 18 innings on the entire season and 14.1 since returning from injury.

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Last season for the Rockies, he pitched 31.1 innings for a 5.57 ERA and 3.84 FIP. But he was a key cog in the bullpen by the end of the season, with eight consecutive scoreless appearances and just one hit allowed in six innings pitched. If Estevez can right himself, expect to see him on the mound in September.

Former starter Jeff Hoffman could make an impact as a long reliever. Hoffman’s six appearances with the Rockies this season ranged from just fine to dreadful, and his inconsistency continues in Albuquerque, where he has a 4.57 ERA in 18 starts for the Isotopes. He continues to struggle with control (40 walks on the season) but hasn’t allowed a lot of home runs at one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the minors. Maybe he’ll be motivated by the urgent need to prove himself as a reliable Major League pitcher.

My dark horse candidate for an impact reliever is 26-year-old Jerry Vasto. He was roughed up in his one appearance with the Rockies, but his ability to strikeout batters and his 1.90 rate of ground outs-to-air outs is ideal for Coors Field. His minor-league resume is impressive, and this season he sports a 2.45 ERA and 1.24 WHIP for the Isotopes.

Get ready folks — it’s almost time to “CALL U’MUP!”