Colorado Rockies roster news: Sam Hilliard optioned, Jesus Tinoco added

On Thursday, just before the Colorado Rockies opened a pivotal four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field, the Rockies sent outfielder Sam Hilliard to the team’s alternate training site and called up relief pitcher Jesus Tinoco.

After bursting onto the scene in September of last season with seven home runs in 77 at-bats, the 2020 season has proven to be a mixed bag for Sam Hilliard. In 84 at-bats this season, the 26-year-old Hilliard is slashing .238/.304/.488 with six homers, 10 RBI, and three stolen bases.

Hilliard hasn’t seen the field since going 1-for-1 in a pinch-hitting role during a home loss to the San Diego Padres. Hilliard has just 17 at-bats this month, with his playing time cut into thanks to Raimel Tapia securing the leadoff spot, Kevin Pillar being acquired in a trade deadline deal from the Boston Red Sox, and David Dahl being activated from the injured list.

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Hilliard had some highlight reel moments in Colorado’s most recent trip to Dodger Stadium, hitting a solo homer on September 4 and robbing Cody Bellinger of a home run the next night.

Tinoco, meanwhile, continues what has been a crazy season for the 25-year-old right-hander. He was traded by the Rockies to the Miami Marlins for pitcher Chad Smith on August 14. He pitched in three games for the Marlins, throwing five hitless, scoreless innings before Miami designated him for assignment on August 30.

The Rockies put in a waiver claim on him and he was returned the Colorado’s alternate training site on September 3.

Last season, Tinoco had 24 outings for the Rockies, allowing 36 hits in 36 innings of work, compiling a 4.75 ERA.