Colorado Rockies: An Albuquerque Isotopes update

Albuquerque has been the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies since 2014 and has seen the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Trevor Story, Ryan McMahon, and many other players come up and compete at the highest level.

Today, I’m going to update you on some names you know, as well as some you might not know that currently call New Mexico they’re home.

Let’s look at what is going on with the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Sam Hilliard was optioned on May 5 following a pretty slow start in 2021 (.108/.154/.324 slash line with 19 strikeouts in 37 at-bats), and was given the opportunity to try and find his timing again.

When he arrived in Albuquerque, he started off slow there as well, but I am happy to report that the powerful lefty has begun timing up pitches again and even has had two, two home run games in Triple-A.

His batting average is still not where you want it to be (even though batting average is not the only way of determining a players production) at .238 along with an OPS (on base plus slugging) at .854.

An update on a Rockies fan favorite

A fan favorite, Connor Joe was sent down to make room for Jon Gray when he became eligible to return from a short stint on the injured list.

‘CoJo’ has been extremely productive for the isotopes, batting 3rd regularly. In 57 at bats, Connor is hitting .318 with a 1.036 OPS. The main concern for Connor is a jam packed outfield as well as being blocked at 1st base otherwise he could be a staple in the Rockies lineup.

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The Ryan’s: Rolison and Vilade

The ‘Topes host a couple of the Rockies top prospects, including the number 2 and 4. Both are Ryan’s and I’ll call them by their last names.

Rolison has been out for a couple of weeks due to appendicitis and could see a return closer to early August as he looks to continue off the constantly improving outings he had. Many do not realize it but Ryan Rolison had a rough start in AAA, but has had better and better outings each and every time he has taken the mound for the Isotopes.

His stat-line stands as of July 1st as 12.1 Innings Pitched with an ERA of 4.38 making it the lowest of any starter in Albuquerque.

Ryan Vilade (Rockies #4 of 30) has made the move to the outfield, mainly playing in one of the corner spots and has been relatively good with hardly any issues defensively.

The thing that makes Vilade stand out however, is his bat. Ryan has made a rapid rise throughout his career with the Rockies and is on the brink of crossing the threshold of the Major Leagues. He’s been a very streaky hitter throughout the 2021 season but has really turned a lot of heads. In fact he’s turned the heads of baseball in general and will be participating in the 2021 Futures game on July 11th.

A call up is not out of question for Vilade in 2021, and when he is ready for that call up, he’s bound to bring a show to 20th and Blake.