Rockies farm roundup: Gonzalez, White on rehab
Triple-A Colorado Springs
(Game 1, L, 19-0 vs. Nashville, 7 innings, box)
Carlos Gonzalez started in left field and was 1-for-4 in his first rehab appearance. Starting pitcher Clayton Mortensen allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 3 2/3 innings.
(Game 2, W, 9-6 vs. Nashville, 7 innings, box)
Gonzalez was 1-for-1 with a run scored in his only at-bat after starting in right field. He was pulled after one inning as planned. Alfredo Amezaga was 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs. First baseman Mike Jacobs was 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI. Starting pitcher Andy Graham allowed six runs in 2 1/3 innings.
Double-A Tulsa (L, 3-1 vs. NW Arkansas, box)
Alex White, acquired from the Cleveland Indians on Saturday in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade, pitched one inning in a rehab start and allowed two singles and a three-run home run. Cory Riordan followed and allowed two hits and one walk in six scoreless innings. Designated hitter Brian Rike was 2-for-4 with a solo home run. Josh Rutledge went 0-for-3 with a walk, ending his 27-game hitting streak.
High Class-A Modesto (L, 5-4 at Rancho Cucamongo, box)
Shortstop Josh Rutledge was 0-for-3 and had his hitting streak snapped at 27 games. Left fielder Scott Robinson was 2-for-4 two doubles, two RBI and a run. Starting pitcher Edwar Cabrera allowed three runs and struck out six in 7 1/3 innings.
Low Class-A Asheville (W, 5-4 vs. Charleston, 10 innings, box)
Center fielder Rafael Ortega was 3-for-6 with a double, a home run, three RBI and two runs, including the game-winning run in the 10th inning on Brett Tanos single. Starting pitcher Josh Slaats allowed two runs in seven innings.
Short-Season Class-A Tri-City (L, 2-0 at Eugene, box)
Starting pitcher Ricardo Ferrer allowed three hits, walked two and struck out five in six scoreless innings.
Rookie Casper (L, 4-3 vs. Ogden, box)
Third baseman Rosell Herrera was 1-for-3 with two runs and a stolen base. Right fielder Julian Yan was 1-for-4 with a solo home run. Starting pitcher Benjamin Hughes allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits, walked one and struck out five in five innings.
Hmm…not a good start for White. I think we all know he will get better, but, wow, that was a bad first impression.
The AAA pitching has to be the worst in AAA history. Hope it is just the need for a humidor and not the fact that they are all terrible. But then the other team through a shutout so maybe our pitchers are that bad.
Wouldn’t be too concerned about White’s outing.
Wow give White a break, have you looked at all the other minor league staters in Tulsa or where ever.
Important note on White’s inning. The two singles were both flukely infield singles. His only mistake was the one that turned into a HR. It’s not like he was hit hard overall. In fact, the HR was the only ball that even got airborne (three outs were two groundouts and a strikeout). I’ll take that for his first inning in months. Looking forward to seeing the dude at Coors.
Ryan, thanks for the info. I am betting he was given specific guidance on the rehab – throw your splitter every time to test the finger or no curves or whatever. Rehab stints like they are not be judged by outcomes. But if his stuff was still good enough to get infield singles and one fly ball…sound good.
The Rockies are convinced (and so are most baseball people) that White can pitch. The only reason he’s in rehab (I guess on a rehab assignment sounds better) is to a) make sure his finger is ok and b) strengthen his arm so he can be a starter when’s he’s called up later this season. Don’t worry about the results.