Rockies Prospects: Affiliates swept, Benjamin homers twice, Cleary shines in AAA debut

It's a good thing the Rockies won in a walk-off yesterday, because none of the minor league affiliates could muster a win.

AAA: Salt Lake City 12, Colorado Springs 4

This is what happens when injuries cripple your major league starting rotation - you start Brian Burres in AAA. Burres, a 33 year-old lefty who hadn't pitched in the big leagues in three years (basically a younger Brett Tomko), allowed six runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings of work. After acceptable relief by Mike McClendon and Manny Corpas, Leuris Gomez threw gas on the fire by allowing five runs on three hits and four walks in his inning of work.

Meanwhile, Jason Pridie was added to the 7 day DL, meaning that the Rockies needed an outfielder at AAA. They called up Delta Cleary Jr. to fill that role and promoted David Kandilas to AA. Drafted back in 2008, Cleary is still just 24 years old despite seemingly being around forever. In his AAA debut, Cleary went 2-3 with a double and two RBI. Drew Garcia added two more hits and a double for the Sky Sox.

AA: Arkansas 4, Tulsa 2

Now that Eddie Butler and Daniel Winkler (sad face) are both gone from the rotation, the chances of a real prospect sighting at Tulsa are cut in half. This was one of those games, as Richard Castillo was on the bump. He allowed four runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings and the offense was unable to score more than two runs despite eight hits on the night.

Both of those came courtesy of a Jayson Langfels single in the 8th inning. Langfels, Jose Rivera, and Cristhian Adames (PuRP 13) each had two hits for the Drillers. Adames is quietly having himself a nice repeat year in Tulsa (.292/.355/.392) and the 22 year-old shortstop will definitely be in consideration for a September call-up this year.

High A: Bakersfield 7, Modesto 4

The Nuts actually had the lead in this one thanks to a three run homer in the fourth inning by Jordan Ribera (5) to take a 4-3 advantage, but they weren't able to muster any offense after that. Modesto had five hits in the game, including two each by Derek Jones and Dean Espy. Ryan Carpenter allowed six runs on nine hits in four innings of work in a losing effort.

Low A: Rome 4, Asheville 2

Rome would not fall this day, as the Tourists could only manage five hits in this one. Michael Benjamin was the sole source of offense for Asheville, smacking two solo homers (6), while Ryan McMahon (PuRP 7) added two hits. The 22 year-old Benjamin, a 13th round pick for the Rockies last year, is hitting .329/.385/.547 on the season. Meanwhile, Konner Wade lasted seven innings, allowing all four runs on 11 hits for the Tourists.

Short Season A: Boise 10, Tri-City 5

The Dust Devils fell to 0-2 on the year despite two hit nights from Francisco Sosa, David Bergin, and Jairo Rosario (Wilin's brother). Trevor Story (PuRP 6) also made a rehab appearance, going 1-3 on the night. Other players of note in the Tri-City lineup were Dillon Thomas and Miguel Dilone. Anthony Bryant, lasted four innings and allowed six runs on eight hits for Tri-City. On the other side, Cubs first round draft pick Kyle Schwarber was 3-5 with 3 RBI.

AAA: Pedro Hernandez

AA: Jon Gray

Low A: Johendi Jiminian

Short Season A: Tyler Gagnon