Thursday Farm Report: Rolison Workload Limited in Pro Debut
Ryan Rolison, the Rockies' No. 1 draft pick, carried a heavy workload at the University of Mississippi, pitching 97 1/3 innings. As a result, he will be limited in his pro debut with Rookie-level Grand Junction.
Don't, however, be deceived by the plans for him to pitch 20 or fewer innings for Grand Junction. He will get plenty of development. The Rockies want him to work on a change-up, and he has the perfect tutor -- Grand Junction pitching coach Doug Jones, whose calling card as a big-league closer was a change-up.
"I'm trying to put the slider, curveball to the side and develop, really, on my change-up," Rolison told Matt Meyer of the Daily Sentinel. "We have the perfect pitching coach for that. Doug Jones had one of the best change-ups in the league, so just picking his mind about a grip and some mindset things, where to throw the change-up. Really trying to develop a change-up that works for me and working on my mechanics, getting more directional towards home plate."
In Wednesday's Games
AAA Albuquerque (39-39) lost 4-3 against Sacramento. Sam Howard (3-5, 5.53) gave up four runs on seven hits and a walk, striking out five in six innings. Jordan Patterson hit his 17th home run of the season, his 57th with the Isotopes and the 98th of his professional career. Mike Tauchman (.355) was 3-for-4 with a run scored and two doubles.
AA Hartford (38-38) lost 5-4 against Richmond. Jesus Tinoco (5-6, 5.14) allowed five runs on six hits and two walks, striking out eight in six innings. Brian Mundell (.271) was 2-for-5 with a double and RBI.
High A Lancaster (4-3 2nd half; 37-40) lost 5-1 at Modesto. David Hill (2-3, 5.47) gave up five runs on eight hits and a walk, striking out three in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed one run the first five innings, but gave up four in the fifth when he retired only two batters. Steven Linkous (.364) was 4-for-4 with a double and stolen base.
Low A Asheville (3-1 2nd half, 30-43) was rained out for the third consecutive night. The Tourists are scheduled to make up the Wednesday game as part of a doubleheader at Colombia Thursday night.
Short-season A Boise (7-6) lost 7-2 against Hillsboro. Cade Harris (.350) was 1-for-2 with a home run, walk and hit by pitch. Luke Morgan (.263) was 2-for-4 and doubled home the other Boise run. Miguel Ausua (0-1, 9.53) allowed five runs on six hits, striking out three in 2 2/3 innings.
Rookie Grand Junction (6-7) lost 5-1 at Idaho Falls. Wander Cabrera (0-1, 7.71) allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out two, in four innings. Third baseman John Cresto (.323) was 2-for-4 with a two-out double in the ninth that drove in Grand Junction's only run. Todd Czinege (.349) was 2-for-4 with a double.
Dominican Summer League South (9-13) won 6-1 at the Phillies Red. Brayan Castillo (1-1, 1.50) pitched five shutout innings, allowing four hits and a walk, striking out one. Felix Ramires earned his first save, allowing an unearned run in four innings. He gave up one hit and struck out one. Catcher Ronaiker Palma (.347) was 1-for-3, driving in two runs in a four-run sixth.
Dominican Summer League Northeast (11-11) lost 8-4 at Pirates 2. Luis De Avila (0-2, 9.16) allowed six runs on four hits and three walks, striking out one in 2 1/3 innings. The Rockies were limited to three singles. The Rockies scored three runs in the sixth on four walks, a ground out, wild pitch and sacrifice fly.