Isotopes to host Rockies in exhibition game

ALBUQUERQUE — It’s not exactly the plot to Brewster’s Millions, but the idea is basically the same.

The Colorado Rockies, parent team to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, will make a pit stop in New Mexico for a one-game exhibition between the big club and the organization’s top farm club.

The game will take place March 25 at Isotopes Park, making it just the fourth time a major league team has come to Albuquerque for an exhibition. It’s the first appearance for the Rockies, a team coming off its second straight trip to the National League playoffs.

Of the team’s 25-man postseason roster this year, 18 of them played for the Isotopes at some point in the last few years. The 2019 season marks the fifth year the Rockies and Isotopes are partnered together.

“It’s a very significant contribution,” said Isotopes general manager John Traub. “We as the Isotopes organization certainly feel a part of the Rockies to the point that the Rockies hosted us in September for our staff retreat. The relationship has been excellent both on the field, off the field and we take great pride in their success.”

Tickets won’t go on sale until Feb. 1, but both teams are already promoting it as a reward for Albuquerque’s continued outstanding relationship with the big league team.

“Our former Triple-A affiliate was literally right down the street from us and it didn’t really come up a whole lot,” said Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich. “It took us a little while, honestly, to wrap our head around it.”

The Rockies will open their season March 28 at Miami. The team will leave spring training on March 24, flying into Albuquerque the day of the exhibition and then flying out immediately after the game to prepare for the opener against the Marlins.

Bridich said the usual starting lineup will get plenty of play during the game, including stars like Nolan Arenado and former Isotope Trevor Story.