McBRIDE CALLED UP TO REPLACE STUBBS
new york» Matt McBride is back in the major leagues. This time, he might even get a chance to play.
McBride spent six weeks with the Rockies last season but started just five games and had only 31 at-bats. Now he’s back, called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday when the Rockies designated Drew Stubbs for assignment.
The Rockies got tired of watching Stubbs, who had a .216 average and more than twice as many strikeouts (50) as hits (22). They expect considerably more from McBride, who was hitting .328 with 12 home runs in Triple-A.
“He’s always hit,” manager Walt Weiss said. “I think he’s a legitimate major-league hitter, and possibly with impact. I look at Matty as one of those guys I want to see. I want to get him some at-bats and see what it looks like.”
The Rockies value flexibility on their roster, and the 30-yearold McBride can play either a corner outfield spot or first base. He also has experience behind the plate, so he can serve as a third catcher.
The Rockies have 10 days to trade or release Stubbs, whom they are paying $5.825 million this season.
“Drew was a good teammate, but the stats are what they are,” general manager Jeff Bridich said. “It just didn’t work out.”
McBride is the last player the Rockies have left from the July 2011 Ubaldo Jimenez trade.
No bullpen moves yet. Weiss expressed confidence in veterans Boone Logan and John Axford, who struggled in the first two games of the series against the New York Mets. While Weiss could push other relievers into the late innings, he said he’s not ready to move away from Logan or Axford just yet.
Patience with Castro. Bridich said the Rockies want to see 20year-old Miguel Castro settle in with the organization before considering him for a role in the major-league bullpen. Castro has made five appearances for Albuquerque, allowing two earned runs in five innings since coming to the Rockies in the Troy Tulowitzki trade.
“We’re still in that get-to-know-you time,” Bridich said. “He’s on the 40-man roster, so he’ll be in the group considered for September. But we’re not quick to unwrap our Christmas toys and play with them at this level.”
Castro began the season in the Toronto’s bullpen, and spent some time as the Jays’ closer.