The Colorado Rockies on Monday optioned left-handed starting pitcher Tyler Anderson to the minors, according to a team announcement. The move was the latest in what will likely be a flurry of spring training roster cuts in the coming days, and certainly, weeks.
Anderson was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, which means he's almost guaranteed to begin the 2015 season there. That's not necessarily news, but given he didn't pitch a full season at Double-A a year ago, it's worth mentioning. Anderson was added to the Rockies' 40-man roster at the reserves deadline in November and was supposed to enter spring training as a darkhorse candidate for a spot in the team's big league rotation.
Things haven't quite worked out that way for the University of Oregon product.
Anderson, who was shut down late last season after posting a sub-2.00 ERA at Tulsa, has yet to make an official spring training appearance this year due to a stress fracture in his throwing elbow. The injury initially surfaced in 2013 when Anderson was pitching at High-A Modesto. For it to return more than a year later is concerning, so the Rockies are taking a cautious approach with the 25-year-old first-round draft pick.
Colorado could have placed Anderson on the MLB disabled list, so the fact that he was optioned instead of shelved could be a silver lining.
Links
Baseball Prospectus | Going Yard: Spring Training Series: Part One
Ryan Parker is looking forward to seeing a trio of Rockies hitting prospects this spring.
Baseball Prospectus | Spring Training Notebook: Cactus League
A negative note on Rockies prospect Kyle Parker's defensive ability (or lack thereof).
Rockies prospect Trevor Story gets his chance during spring training - The Denver Post
Every year, at least one player emerges as a surprise at Rockies camp. This year, that player just might be Trevor Story, who has made a name for himself thus far. Nick Groke has some quotes from the 22-year-old infielder.
Rockies Mailbag: Dick Monfort's skills limited as president of baseball operations - The Denver Post
Patrick Saunders is an angel sent from above for having the patience to deal with some of the questions that his readers ask.
Baseball lifer Lachemann continues living his dream | rockies.com
Tracy Ringolsby profiles Rockies catching coach Rene Lachemann, who is beginning his 52nd season in professional baseball.
Reflecting on Rockies - 2015 SABR Analytics Conference | Rockies Zingers Colorado Rockies Baseball
Our friend Richard Bergstrom has an excellent review of the SABR Analytics Conference that just took place in Phoenix. Richard focuses on the Rockies, who had a big piece in the event, as well as his personal experience.