Colorado Rockies make right move sending Brendan Rodgers to Triple-A

The Colorado Rockies sent their top prospect back to Triple-A on Saturday afternoon. As much as Rockies fans want a glimpse of the present, the move was the right one to make.

Brendan Rodgers was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque as reliever Jesus Tinoco was brought up from the Isotopes. The move was a necessity for the Colorado Rockies, who burned through the bullpen in a historic meltdown loss to the San Diego Padres on Coors Field on Friday night.

Rodgers had his contract selected on May 17 and made his Major League debut later that day when the Rockies continued their series in Philadelphia against the Phillies. He tallied his first Major League RBI in that game and logged his first Major League hit the next day.

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However, finding consistent time for Rodgers in the starting lineup has been tough. He saw action in 21 games since his Major League debut and had just 65 at-bats, going .246 with seven runs, two doubles, seven RBI, four walks and 22 strikeouts. Since his call-up, Rodgers and Ryan McMahon were often vying for playing time at second base while Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story held down the left side of the infield.

With Rodgers back in Triple-A, it not only allows him to gain more at-bats and find the consistency again in his swing, but it also gives McMahon a comfort level knowing he will have extended playing time at second base. It’s no longer a matter of trying to find playing time for two of Colorado’s young and rising stars. McMahon can have his at-bats and develop at the Major League level while Rodgers finds a routine at Triple-A.

This is by no means a mark against Rodgers and his first Major League stint. Colorado needed a bullpen part and had a glut of infielders. It’s as simple as that.

Make no mistake that Rodgers is a big part of Colorado’s future. If McMahon struggles or an injury occurs, you can expect to see him back with the Rockies sooner than later. In the meantime, he can continue to grow and improve with regular minor league at-bats. That’s what a young player needs in order to succeed and that’s what Rodgers will get while he awaits his return to the Rockies.