According to David Ramsey of the Colorado Springs Gazette, the Colorado Rockies promoted Ian Stewart from AAA Colorado Springs last night.
After going 2-for-26 with 11 strikeouts, a bunt single and a weak groundball single, the Rockies' third baseman was sent to AAA to rediscover his swing and timing. In 46 plate appearances with the Sky Sox, Stewart hit .361/.500/.750, with 11 strikeouts, nine walks, three home runs, three doubles and a triple. Somewhat worrying is his 30.6% strikeout rate in his short stop in AAA.
Stewart is being paid $2.28million this season, and with three arbitration eligible seasons remaining, he his salary will start to balloon quickly. Due in large part to this, much has been written that 2011 will be the year the 2003 10th overall pick will need to prove he deserves to stay in Colorado. So with Ty Wigginton perhaps headed to the disabled list and Jose Lopez existing as Enemy Number One for the baseball gods, it probably isn't a surprise that Stewart was promoted. He can help the team if he brings a fraction of the offense he produced in AAA.
There is no word on a corresponding roster move, though the most likely would be Ty Wigginton to the disabled list, followed by trying to push Alfredo Amezaga back to AAA. UPDATE: As of 8:00MDT, the move has been confirmed via twitter by both Troy Renck and Tracy Ringolsby.