Pitcher Jeff Hoffman called up by Colorado Rockies
Hoffman was acquired in the Troy Tulowitzki trade.
The Rockies called up one of their top pitching prospects Friday. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Hey, remember the Troy Tulowitzki trade?
July 2015 seems like a long time ago, especially with everything that’s happened at the shortstop position since it went down. Jose Reyes came and went. Trevor Story filled in better than anyone could have expected in their wildest dreams, but now he’s on the shelf for the rest of the year.
Well, get ready for the specifics of the trade to resurface. That’s because Jeff Hoffman — the top prospect acquired in the Rockies deal with Toronto — is expected make his major-league debut Saturday against the Cubs.
Hoffman, 23, is a right-hander who’s the Rockies’ No. 3 overall prospect. He’s spent the entire season with Colorado’s Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes. He’s 6-9 this season with a 4.02 ERA, and has struck out 124 batters in 118 2/3 innings pitched.
Hoffman was the ninth overall selection in the 2014 MLB Draft. He is the second prospect from the Tulowitzki trade to debut with the Rockies.
Relief pitcher Miguel Castro logged 14 2/3 innings with the Rockies before being sent back down to the minors. Righty Jesus Tinoco is with the Double-A Modesto Nuts.
Hoffman’s debut won’t be an easy one, as he’ll have to face a Cubs lineup that is one of the best in baseball. He’ll fill in for Tyler Chatwood, who’s on the 15-day disabled list with back spasms.