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One of the most improbable stories in baseball has taken it’s next and biggest step. After much speculation last night as to who might be replacing the optioned Ben Paulsen, the Tallahassee Democrat is reporting that first baseman and outfielder Stephen Cardullo has been called to the Colorado Rockies.
The former Florida State shortstop was drafted in the 24th round in 2010 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. After spending two years in the Rookie-level pioneer league playing for Missoula, Cardullo exited affiliated baseball and spent the next four years in the independent Frontier and Can-Am leagues. Usually that would be the end of a player’s baseball journey. However, Cardullo managed to turn a good 2015 campaign into a MiLB contract with the Colorado Rockies. After his signing, Purple Row’s Bobby Demuro had a great write-up on Cardullo and what to expect from him, including this great statement: “He absolutely will not impact the Major League team this year.”
Cardullo had a good spring training and earned a spot on the Triple-A Albuquerque roster. With everyone expecting the clock to hit midnight at some point, Cardullo instead put together a solid campaign for the Isotopes.
Before yesterday’s game with the Isotopes manager Glenallen Hill told reporters, “Cardullo is getting some rest.” Purple Row’s Chris Jackson dug in, asking “A well-deserved rest?” In response, Hill coyly smiled and said “Yes. Exactly.” Cardullo will now hope to continue his improbable journey with the Colorado Rockies in Washington tonight as they play the Nationals.
Cardullo will be taking Ben Paulsen’s spot on the roster; Paulsen was optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque late Thursday night, according to MLB.com. This still leaves the question of who Cardullo will be replacing on the 40-man roster. In all likelihood, the Rockies will move either Trevor Story, Mark Reynolds or Scott Oberg to the 60-day disabled list, since their seasons are over anyway.
UPDATE (12:55 p.m. MT): The Rockies are transferring reliever Scott Oberg to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Cardullo on the 40-man roster.