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Axford's son throws out first pitch- MLB.com
Jameson Axford's rattlesnake bite has been the most frightening and unexpected narrative of the 2015 season so far. Last night, the two year old had his first chance to demonstrate his strength by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in front of Rockies fans and players who have spent so much of the past month eagerly awaiting good news for Jameson and the Axford family.
An exciting moment for all, but none more so than a humbled and adoring John Axford. For the first time in his Rockies career, the closer was able to share Coors Field with his family. The road to a full recovery may be a long one for Jameson, but last night the youngest Axford had a special opportunity to be "just like daddy."
Tyler Matzek optioned to Triple-A; Wilin Rosario called up - The Denver Post
After a disastrous two-inning performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks put an exclamation point on Tyler Matzek's rough start to the season, the Rockies optioned young left hander to Triple-A Albuquerque. Matzek maintains that his struggles are a mental setback and describes the roster move as a "speed bump within a speed bump." On the season so far, Matzek holds a 4.09 ERA in 22 innings across five starts. To the 15 batters he's fanned, he's walked 19. Control has been an issue at times in his career, but this is an opportunity for the 24 year old Matzek to show he can hit a speed bump without the wheels falling off.
Wilin Rosario is back in town, and we hope he brought a hot bat with him. Rosario put up a .343/.361/.457 line in Albuquerque after being sent down to work on the defensive side of his game while logging regular at bats. The Rockies could certainly benefit from Rosario's power and RBI potential during this offensive dry spell. The Baby Bull's energetic playing style and clubhouse demeanor may also breathe some life back into this lethargic Rockies team.
Jon Gray, Rex Brothers show progress in Rockies' Triple-A - The Denver Post
It's been a rough spring for two of the most talented arms in the Rockies organization, Isotopes pitchers Jon Gray and Rex Brothers. Their last outings, however, have been a refreshing change of pace. Jon Gray posted his first victory of the season in a 12-10 win over the Salt Lake Bees on May 2nd. Gray allowed two of the Bees' runs in five innings.
Rex Brothers looked sharp in his most recent appearance, a 1-2-3 inning on 11 pitches and a strikeout. Isotopes pitching coach, Darryl Scott, sees progress in Brothers both in his confidence on the mound and in his delivery. The hope has always been that Brothers works his way back to Denver within the first few months of the season, but Gray is eyeing a major league job as well. There's ground to make up, and a hole to dig themselves out of, but a bit of good news from Albuquerque is a start.
Prospect Hot Sheet (May 8th): The True Story?
If there's one thing Trevor Story has proved this spring, it's that he's the truth. Story is tearing up the Eastern League for the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats, with a slugging percentage of .674 and an OPS at 1.157. He's got five homeruns and 22 RBIs in 27 games this season. Story had an uncharacteristic 0-4 day yesterday, but still managed to drive in a run.