The Rockies released infielder Kelby Tomlinson, reports MLBTR’s own Steve Adams. Tomlinson had signed with the team in January on a minor-league deal, but won’t be given the opportunity to continue his stint in Colorado.
With speculation about a possible Nolan Arenado trade running rampant at the time of his signing, Tomlinson might have seen a heightened role with the Rockies if Arenado were out of the picture, but with no such trade coming to fruition, the need for Tomlinson was limited. And with the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Josh Fuentes, Ryan McMahon, and others also in the picture, Tomlinson faced plenty of competition for playing time in the Colorado infield.
Tomlinson hasn’t appeared in regular-season action since 2018 when he was with the Giants. He played the entirety of last season at the Triple-A level in the Arizona and Seattle minor-league systems, posting an overall .602 OPS. In parts of four seasons with San Francisco, Tomlinson managed a .265/.331/.332 batting line.
Though he provides little in the way of power, Tomlinson could be a depth option for a club in need of reserve infielders. The 30-year-old can play shortstop, second base, and third base, and could be worth a spot on a team’s 60-player pool.
I always liked his name
He also looks like Clark Kent which is nice
You calling him a nerd
I always liked his glasses.
But seriously, he always did give nearly above average “D” around the IF and could very well make a 60-man. There are worst utility guys out there.
I agree that he is better than a lot of utility players out there. Little surprised he is not able to hang on to a big league club
He’s awful. Which utility players is he better than ? Who are you referring to ?
Marwin Gonzalez, Enrique Hernandez, Brock Holt , Ian Happ. These are proper utility players. Tomlinson is a 4A guy from a weak Giants farm system
dang man you really dislike this guy…he sleep with your girlfriend again or something sheesh lol
No. I think rightyspecialist is a closeted homosexual. Anytime a current, or former, Giant is mentioned, he trashes the team. He probably fell hard for the Panda, and got a humiliating rejection.
rightyspecialist… LOL…
Hopefully the Rockies will wake up and bring slugger Colton Welker up where he belongs
Should be noted Tomlinson was never in big league camp before it was closed. He was on a minor-league contract with no big league time in the spring. Welker was in big-league camp.
About 2 or 3 years ago I had this guy pegged as a great utility/OBP guy… a kind of “Ken Phelps all-star”… never panned out
The one we’ve been waiting for! Great pick!
Something tells me the Giants will bring him back.