September is right around the corner, and instead of playing for the postseason the Colorado Rockies are gearing up for 2020. With that being said, on September 1 Major League rosters will expand from 25 to 40 players. This will give the Rockies an opportunity to evaluate their talent they have that could be used next season. Players like Peter Lambert, Garrett Hampson, and Dom Nunez have already gained valuable experience at the Big League level. Here are three others who could see significant playing time in September.
Image courtesy of the Denver Post
The young outfielder is one of the top prospects currently in the organization. Hilliard has spent the entire 2019 campaign at Triple-A Albuquerque. in 123 games, he is batting .260 with 34 home runs and 99 RBIs. Hilliard should see plenty of playing time with David Dahl’s injury, and the possibility of resting Charlie Blackmon down the stretch. With his power numbers, he also has 28 doubles and seven triples, Hilliard should fit in nicely at Coors Field.
Another prospect who could benefit from the main outfield getting rest is Noel Cuevas. Cuevas saw significant playing time in 2018 with the Rockies, batting .233 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 75 games. At Albuquerque this season, Noel has had an off-year after battling a few injuries. He’s batting .267 with five home runs and 29 RBIs. He’s played the left field very well during his time with Colorado in vast Coors Field, and adding some at-bats should only help him for next season.
First baseman Roberto Ramos was an All-Star this year at Triple-A Albuquerque, and should some time as Daniel Murphy gets some rest down the stretch. Ramos is batting .310 with the Isotopes and has 26 home runs. Murphy is signed only for one more season, and this is every reason to Ramos the opportunity to prove that he is the first baseman of the future for Colorado.
With the bullpen in disarray, Ben Bowden should get an opportunity to show he could be one of the relievers of the future. Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw could be on the chopping block at the end of the season, and Bowden could fortify his position with the club with a strong September. He started the season at Double-A Hartford and converted all 20 of his save opportunities with the Yard Goats with an impressive .096 ERA and 42 strikeouts. Since moving to Triple-A in June, he’s struggled a little but has settled down recently. His ERA with Albuquerque is .256 with 30 strikeouts.
The Rockies would be smart to use the September call-ups as an opportunity to gauge their future. They have plenty of prospects who could use some seasoning at the Big League club before Spring Training next season. Now is the time to start preparing for 2020.
Featured image courtesy of The Denver Post
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