TAMPA -- The Rockies made two depth moves during the final days before the opener, adding utility man Tyler Freeman in a trade with the Guardians and outfielder Mickey Moniak on a free-agent contract to a roster that could be fluid as the season progresses.
For now, it¡¯s a mix of experience -- especially with the starting pitching staff -- and youthful players who will form the core in future years.
Late Spring Training cuts included several exciting prospects -- righty Chase Dollander (MLB Pipeline No. 25), outfielder Zac Veen (Rockies¡¯ No. 8), and righty relievers Jaden Hill (No. 19) and Zach Agnos (No. 28). The Rockies also considered putting second baseman Adael Amador (No. 7) on the active roster at the end of camp.
But if you like your prospects and don¡¯t see them now, chances are you¡¯ll see them as the season evolves.
On Thursday, the Rockies designated outfielder Sam Hilliard for assignment, lefty starter Austin Gomber (left shoulder soreness) and righty reliever Jeff Criswell (Tommy John right elbow surgery) on the 15-day injured list, and placed second baseman Thairo Estrada (fractured right wrist) on the 10-day IL. All three IL placements were retroactive to March 24.
Catcher (2): Jacob Stallings, Hunter Goodman
Stallings re-signed after showing that he can be effective offensively and defensively while playing in half the games. Goodman had a standout Spring Training offensively, and pitchers enjoy working with him.
First baseman (1): Michael Toglia
Toglia arrived at camp with a plan -- emphasize hitting to the opposite gap early, then juice balls to the pull side at the end. The Rockies expect him to build upon the power he showed late last season and make himself a key piece of the future.
Second baseman (1): Kyle Farmer, Tyler Freeman
Farmer was brought in as a veteran who can move around the infield to give regulars a break, but the plan for him has increased with Estrada out for the next seven weeks. Freeman, who started half of last season as the Guardians¡¯ center fielder and was competing for the starting second base position before the trade, will get his share of starts.
Shortstop (1): Ezequiel Tovar
A first-time Gold Glove winner and the National League leader in doubles last year with 45, Tovar is on the edge of stardom. Just an incremental increase in patience at the plate could put him in lofty company.
Third baseman (1): Ryan McMahon
McMahon, a four-time Gold Glove finalist, was an All-Star last year, but as has been his pattern in recent years, he tailed off dramatically at season¡¯s end. More rest and some adjustments in his preparation are planned to hopefully make him more consistent.
Outfielders (3): Nick Martini, Brenton Doyle, Jordan Beck
Doyle is a two-time Gold Glove winner and an improving offensive player who has been installed as leadoff hitter. The corners could be fluid. Martini joined as a non-roster player just before Spring Training and made the club, not just with a high batting average but a professional hitting approach. Beck started Spring Training slowly but displayed an improved swing with power toward the end.
DH (1): Kris Bryant
Bryant and the Rockies believe the back strengthening program and the careful playing schedule leading up to the season have him as healthy as possible. The Rockies have backed off from a plan to play him occasionally in the outfield.
Bench/Utility (2): Sean Bouchard, Mickey Moniak
A forgotten man last year after a late spring injury and sparing playing time, Bouchard put together a strong spring and put himself in line for starts. Moniak was released by the Angels at the end of their camp -- a move many found surprising. Both will get their share of starts, with Moniak getting opportunities at all three positions. The plan all along has been to improve what has been a weak offensive bench.
Starting pitchers (4): Kyle Freeland, Ryan Feltner, Germán Márquez, Antonio Senzatela
Gomber¡¯s injury means the Rockies will begin the season with four starters. Freeland is the veteran leader of the staff. Feltner is expected to take the next step. M¨¢rquez, who like Senzatela is two seasons out from Tommy John surgery, dealt with shoulder soreness in camp but made all of his starts.
Relief pitchers (8): RHP Seth Halvorsen, RHP Victor Vodnik, RHP Tyler Kinley, LHP Scott Alexander, LHP Luis Peralta, RHP Angel Chivilli, RHP Jake Bird, RHP Jimmy Herget, RHP Bradley Blalock
Vodnik showed a consistent pitch mix this sprint and will receive early closing opportunities, but Halvorsen and Kinley also are options. Blalock was added as a long reliever and could receive a start before Gomber returns.
15-day injured list: LHP Austin Gomber (left shoulder soreness), RHP Jeff Criswell (Tommy John surgery)
10-day injured list: 2B Thairo Estrada (fractured right wrist)