MARCH 4, 2023•STAR-TELEGRAM.COM
Rockies sign free agent reliever Brad HandThe Colorado Rockies announced the signing Saturday of free agent reliever Brad Hand for the 2023 season.
Michael Gigliotti - Available off benchGigliotti (shoulder) is available off the bench for Saturday's Cactus League game versus the Brewers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.
ImpactGigliotti was sidelined in August due to a shoulder injury, but it appears he's healthy for spring training. The outfielder logged a .215/.366/.343 slash line with seven home runs, 24 stolen bases, 29 RBI and 49 runs scored with Double-A Richmond last season. He could start the year there or at Triple-A Sacramento, but his patience at the plate and speed remain his best attributes.
MARCH 4, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Ismael Munguia - Available to playMunguia is listed as an extra hitter for Saturday's Cactus League game versus the Diamondbacks, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.
ImpactMunguia underwent wrist surgery and missed all of the 2022 campaign. His last action in minor-league ball came in 2021, when he slashed .336/.366/.502 with High-A Eugene over 81 contests. The outfielder should have a chance to play in the upper minors this season, but he's likely at least a year away from any major-league consideration.
MARCH 4, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Tyler Kinley - Moves to ILThe Rockies placed Kinley (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.
ImpactJuly 2022 elbow surgery was already expected to sideline Kinley for the start of 2023. With a stellar 0.75 ERA and 10 holds in 24 innings last season, the righty showed he absolutely belongs in the Rockies' bullpen this year once healthy. The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for reliever Brad Hand, whom Colorado signed Saturday.
MARCH 4, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Brad Hand - Lands with RockiesThe Rockies signed Hand to a one-year, $2 million contract Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
ImpactHand, coming off a 45-inning, 2.80-ERA campaign with the Phillies, finally has a home for the 2023 season. The Rockies don't project to win many games, but the left-hander could have some opportunities for holds and/or saves. It's unclear how built-up Hand is, or whether he'll be ready for Opening Day. The contract includes a $7 million club option for 2024.
MARCH 4, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Kris Bryant - Will remain in outfieldBryant is expected to remain in the outfield rather than move to third base for the Rockies following Ryan McMahon's shift to second, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
ImpactMost of Bryant's experience is at the hot corner, of course, but the Rockies evidently prefer to keep him on the grass the bulk of the time. It sounds like he could see the occasional start at third base, opening up the possibility of him regaining eligibility there in fantasy leagues.
MARCH 3, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Elehuris Montero - Expected to compete for 3B jobMontero is expected to get a chance to compete for the Rockies' third base job with Ryan McMahon moving to second, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
ImpactIt will be Montero and Nolan Jones duking it out at the hot corner, general manager Bill Schmidt told Sherman. Montero faded late with the Rockies last season but overall held his own in his first stint in the majors with a .702 OPS and six home runs over 53 games. He's out of options, so the 24-year-old will make the Opening Day roster no matter what. Montero would be at a disadvantage in a potential platoon scenario though, as the right-handed hitter to Jones' left-handed bat.
MARCH 3, 2023•ROTOWIRE
