After using nine pitchers in a Tuesday doubleheader, the Rockies have recalled a fresh arm from Triple-A Albuquerque:
The Rockies announced today that they have recalled RHP José Mujica. OF Sam Hilliard was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque following last night’s game.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) May 5, 2021
José Mujica (No. 29 PuRP) will soon make his third career MLB appearance after a challenge-filled 2020 that sent him back and forth from the big league roster to the alternate site. He tossed 4 1⁄3 innings in the Cactus League and allowed six earned runs (12.46 ERA), but like Ryan Castellani, it appears Mujica has shined at the alternate site since then.
Mujica, 24, debuted in San Diego on September 8; he entered the game as a reliever in the first inning, allowed six earned runs in 2 2⁄3 frames, and returned to the alternate site hours later. He would return to the big leagues on the final day of the 2020 regular season, tossing 1 2⁄3 innings of scoreless ball in the latter innings of a 3-11 loss.
The right-hander was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays after the 2019 season. He has made 82 career minor league starts in 90 appearances, dating back to his pro debut at 17 years old. He did not pitch in 2019 due to Tommy John surgery and was further left out of his familiar minor league routines last year. He has not pitched in a ‘true’ minor league game since 2018.
To complete the transaction, Sam Hilliard has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque just one day before the start of the Triple-A season. He has slashed a dismal .108/.154/.324 in 37 major league at-bats this year (.478 OPS), but will soon find himself in the familiar comforts of Albuquerque where he posted a .262/.335/.558 in 2019 (.893 OPS).