RHP HOFFMAN LOOKS SOLID IN INTRASQUAD
scottsdale, ariz. Sure, it was just a practice game before the real practice games begin, but Rockies right- hander Jeff Hoffman took a small step forward Tuesday.
Hoffman, 23, the centerpiece to last summer’s trade that sent star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto, worked two solid innings in an intrasquad game. In his first frame, Hoffman gave up an infield single to outfielder Rosell Herrera, an RBI double over third base to shortstop prospect Trevor Story and a walk to thirdbase prospect RyanMcMahon.
Hoffman, whowears prescription sports glasses while on the mound, set down the side in order in the second inning on two outfield popups and a grounder to second.
His fastball hummed at 93- 96 mph, and he showed off his big- league curve.
“My plan was to throw strikes and get my work in,” he said. “My goal was to stay in the zone. I did OK in the first, I guess, because I got three groundballs. The big thing is that my arm feels really good out there.”
Hoffman had Tommy John surgery in 2014, shortly before he was drafted by Toronto.
“He’s part of that wave of young arms that we’re excited about, he’s a big part of that,” managerWalt Weiss said. “He’s been opening eyes around here.”
Book on Story.
In the running to make the 25- man roster as the starting shortstop, Story put in a nice afternoon’s work. In addition to his run- scoring double, he had a single, a walk and a stolen base. Story also made a Tulo- like play on a ball up the middle.
Other highlights from the intrasquad game:
• Catcher Tom Murphy hit a solo homer to right field off right- hander GermanMarquez, although Murphy was chewed out by coach Rene Lachemann for some poor work behind the play.
• McMahon made a diving catch on a line drive by Rafael Yona in the hole between third and short.
Reyes decision.
The 30game suspension New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman was given Tuesday by commissioner Rob Manfred could set some ground rules for discipline regarding Rockies veteran shortstop Jose Reyes. The Rockies, however, still have not been told what length of suspension Reyes might face.
Reyes is alleged to have assaulted his wife on Halloween in a Hawaii luxury hotel and is scheduled to go on trial April 4.
Footnotes.
Right- handed pitcher David Hale remains sidelined by a strained right hamstring, but he’s making good progress on a quick return, Weiss said. … Right- handed reliever Scott Oberg will start and pitch one inning inWednesday’s Cactus League opener vs. Arizona. Righty Jon Gray is scheduled to follow Oberg and pitch two innings.