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.