Rox calling up Lambert for MLB debut at Wrigley | MLB.com
Big news for the Colorado Rockies and one of their top prospects. In need of help in the rotation because of both health and performance issues, the Rockies will turn to Peter Lambert (PuRP no. 2). There was some thought the Rockies would try to show patience with Lambert and wait until later in the season, but the moment has come.
They’re certainly throwing him in the fire with a debut against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. If Kyle Freeland hadn’t needed a tune-up or if Tyler Anderson hadn’t gotten hurt, they probably would have preferred to wait. But Thomas Harding reports that there is also the issue of Jon Gray’s “hot spot” on his finger and wanting to give him extra rest. So, the Rockies need Lambert now.
Colorado Rockies: All signs point to a Peter Lambert call-up | Rox Pile
Before the news was official, Aaron Hurt took a look at the likelihood of Lambert being called up and how he’s been doing. Lambert got off to a rough start this season, which probably explains the fact that he has a 5.07 ERA in 11 starts. But he has been bouncing back lately, and the stats from the Pacific Coast League are always taken with a grain of salt.
The way Lambert is regarded as a prospect, as a guy who just knows how to pitch, means that those skills might translate right away even if he hasn’t been dominating the minor leagues. That was certainly how he looked in moments in Spring Training against big league hitters.
Craig Kimbrel signs with the Cubs | reported by The Athletic
With the draft in the books, we’ve already got a major free agent signing for the guys who have been waiting. The Cubs have added a closer that they clearly needed, as reported by Ken Rosenthal.
Seems like a great time to re-up the case that the Rockies should sign Dallas Keuchel. Although at the time, I referred to such as a move as a way to make the team’s strength even stronger. It wouldn’t be that, but still, who’s with me?
On the farm
As noted in yesterday’s Rockpile, there was a dust-up in the Yard Goats game over a bunt to break up a combined no-hitter. Video of the play and fallout are here, courtesy of Cut4:
Here is the bunt that broke up the @GoYardGoats no-hit bid in the 9th. What does Hartford starter Rico Garcia think of it? https://t.co/JKJTmZDBEb pic.twitter.com/24r6ZHwEj4
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 5, 2019
Aftermath of a near fight at the end of the @GoYardGoats and @TrentonThunder game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. 3-0 win for the Goats allowing only one hit as a team. #NoGoatsNoGlory #Pride #NBCCT @NBCConnecticut @GLucivero pic.twitter.com/N1QL5XUWFo
— Paul Ross (@RealPaulRoss) June 5, 2019
Elsewhere in the minors, we can check in with Charlie Blackmon. He went 1-for-3 in his first rehab game with the Isotopes. If all goes well, the plan is for Chuck Nazty to just be there for a couple games before he re-joins the Rockies.
Triple-A: Omaha Storm Chasers 5, Albuquerque Isotopes 1
Double-A: Trenton Thunder 7, Hartford Yard Goats 2
High-A: Lancaster JetHawks 3, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 1
Low-A: Asheville Tourists 4, Augusta GreenJackets 3
DSL 1: DSL Mariners 12, DSL Colorado 9
DSL 2: DSL Rockies 13, DSL Mets 11