Colorado Rockies notebook: Roster moves, injury updates, MiLB honors

As the Colorado Rockies enjoy an off day between home series with the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, let’s take a look at some of the latest news involving roster moves, injury updates, and four Rockies prospects earning Player of the Week honors in their respective leagues.

News and notes from the Colorado Rockies and their minor league affiliates, including recent roster moves and injury updates

Roster moves

Following the Colorado Rockies finishing off their weekend sweep of the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field, Colorado began the process of whittling the roster down to the required 26 players (all MLB teams began the year with 28-man rosters). There were three players involved in the moves on Sunday, including infielder Elehuris Montero (who went 2-for-4 in his MLB debut on Sunday as Colorado’s designated hitter) and Alan Trejo, along with right-handed pitcher Ryan Feltner. All three players were sent to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Injury updates

Trejo’s departure to Albuquerque was a preemptive move by the Rockies, knowing the team was going to activate Garrett Hampson ahead of Tuesday’s series-opening game against Washington. Hampson can provide depth in both the infield and outfield, making Trejo the odd man out.

While Hampson is set to return to the Rockies (and elevate the active roster back to a full 26-man limit), there is no firm date for Kris Bryant to be back in the lineup. Colorado is optimistic that Bryant can be activated before Friday’s series opener in Arizona. However, when Bryant spoke to the media on Sunday morning, he wouldn’t commit to a timeline for his return.

Rockies prospects earn honors

There is some good news on the farm for the Rockies as four prospects were each named Player of the Week in their respective leagues for their play over the last week. That’s right … Colorado had a Player of the Week at each minor league level last week.

Outfielder Wynton Bernard (who talked to us last year about an amazing catch he had in Triple-A) was named as the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week. The 31-year-old Bernard logged a 9-for-23 (.391) performance at the plate with three doubles, three home runs, and 11 RBI in six games. You can read more about Bernard’s performance here.

At Double-A, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, who is ranked as Colorado’s sixth-highest prospect, earned Eastern League Player of the Week honors after a monster stretch of games at the plate.

Infielder Eddy Diaz took home honors for the Spokane Indians in the Northwest League (High-A) after batting .407 for the week.

In the California League, it was a solid week for the Fresno Grizzlies and Colorado’s 10th-ranked prospect, shortstop Adael Amador.

Here are the current standings for Colorado’s minor league affiliates:

Triple-A Albuquerque — 10-14 (5.0 GB)

Double-A Hartford — 11-10 (3.0 GB)

High-A Spokane — 11-10 (0.5 GB)

Low-A Fresno — 13-8 (first place, +1.0)