Injured player Thairo Estrada called up from 60-day injured list to play his first game for the Colorado Rockies.
Second baseman Thairo Estrada made his Colorado Rockies debut on Friday, following his return from a 60-day injured list stint due to a broken right wrist. Estrada, who had been sidelined throughout the season, was placed in the cleanup spot in the Rockies' lineup for their game against the New York Mets.
Interim manager Warren Schaeffer believes that Estrada's inclusion in the team could provide a much-needed boost, as the Rockies struggled with a 9-47 record - the worst in the major leagues through 56 games since 1901. Schaeffer praised Estrada's dedication to the game and his hard-nosed playing style.
Estrada, a 29-year-old Venezuelan, boasts a six-season MLB career with a .251 batting average, 48 home runs, 52 stolen bases, and a .694 on-base plus slugging (OPS) percentage. Before joining the Rockies, he played for the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants.
Estrada had signed a $4 million, one-year contract with the Rockies in January and will earn a $3.25 million salary this year. His deal includes a $7 million mutual option for 2026 with a $750,000 buyout. Estrada sustained the wrist injury during a spring training game in March, when he was hit by a 97 mph sinker from Texas Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker.
In a separate roster move, the Rockies selected the contract of outfielder Sam Hilliard from their Triple-A affiliate, Albuquerque. Colorado outfielder Nick Martini was designated for assignment, and infielder Adael Amador was optioned to Triple-A.
Schaeffer hinted at a shakeup in the team, stating that Hilliard brings speed and a solid glove in the outfield. Schaeffer is known for emphasizing a style of baseball focused on putting the ball in play, running aggressively, and making good contact.
- The media in Toronto and across the Major League Baseball (MLB) news circles are eagerly anticipating the impact of Thairo Estrada's addition to the Rockies' lineup, given the team's current struggles.
- In the aftermath of selecting Thairo Estrada's contract from their Triple-A affiliate, Albuquerque, the Rockies also made room for Sam Hilliard, who is known for his speed and solid outfield play, aligning with interim manager Warren Schaeffer's emphasis on an aggressive and productive game style.
- As the Rockies gear up for more games, including those featuring sports like baseball, fans and news outlets alike will closely watch the performances of key players like Thairo Estrada and Sam Hilliard for signs of a turnaround in the team's fortunes, improving on their previously dismal 9-47 record.