Rockies recall Fowler, add backup catcher Alfonzo
The Colorado Rockies have recalled outfielder Dexter Fowler and purchased the contract of catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Colorado Springs. To make room on the active roster, the Rockies optioned outfielder Cole Garner and catcher Matt Pagnozzi.
Outfielder Charlie Blackmon was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Alfonzo.
Fowler hit .237 in 24 games with the Sky Sox on rehab and option assignments following a stint on the disabled list with a left abdominal strain. But after a slow start, Fowler hit .385 with just five strikeouts in 30 at-bats in his final 10 games with the Sky Sox. He will be in the starting lineup Friday, leading off and playing center field.
Alfonzo, 32, a former major-leaguer catcher with the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, has hit .319 with 12 home runs and 37 RBI since signing a minor-league contract and joining the Sky Sox in early May.
Garner hit .222 in four games for the Rockies and was 1-for-1 with two RBI in Thursday’s 12-3 win, forcing in one run with a bases-loaded walk and driving in another with an infield single.
Pagnozzi hit .286 with two RBI in seven games.
I wonder if this move has anything to do with the Rockies wanting to raise Fowler’s trade stock.
The move probably has more to do with Dexter’s service time and becoming a free agent after this season… IMO…
How good is Alfonzo as a fielder?
BTW, do we wish we still had McHenry? He seems to be doing OK as a Pirate. We got Turpen in trade for him, so we’ll have to see if he turns into a major leaguer. He seems to be doing OK at Tulsa.
BTW, speaking of the Pirates, are there players that we have but may not like so well that Clint Hurdle may be fond of? For the first time in a generation, the Pirates may be buyers at the trade deadline.
Dexter Fowler and Ian Stewart know the pressure is on more than ever. This is their last chance to stay in Colorado and other teams are watching. These guys don’t wish to damage their value anymore than they’ve done, create impressions that they are career backups.
Will they respond?
They both have plus talent. Can they actualize it?
Matt,
Fowler has nowhere NEAR enough service time to be eligible for free agency; it will likely be five seasons before that will happen.