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Denorifa was released from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.
He leaves the Rockies system after failing to make the big club out of spring training and going .275/.383/.353 in 61 plate appearances with the Isotopes. Denorfia can play all three outfield spots and has shown fleeting signs of utility in a major-league lineup, most notably in 2013 when he hit .279/.337./.395 with two home runs and 11 steals in 144 games for the Padres. Expect him to catch on with another organization before the season is done.
Denorfia was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday.
The 36-year-old didn't produce much during spring training, but his right-handedness had him in the mix for the Rockies' fourth outfielder role into the final days prior to the regular season. That being said, Stephen Cardullo ended up being the right-handed bat the Rockies kept in the majors thanks to his gargantuan Cactus League showing. Denorfia's age and declining performance will likely keep him in an organizational depth role for most of the season.
Denorfia is just 5-for-28 (.179) with five walks and three stolen bases in 12 Cactus League appearances, but he could still make the Rockies' Opening Day roster as a fourth outfielder.
Despite the unsightly batting line, the 36-year-old seems to have a solid chance to crack the Opening Day roster with the big league club given that David Dahl (ribs) won't be ready for the start of the regular season. Denorfia doesn't have the upside many of the other competitors for a roster spot possess, but his right-handedness and vast major league experience could serve him well in his quest to be the Rockies' fourth outfielder to begin the season. This role doesn't provide a lot of fantasy upside, especially given that he may be destined to spend more time in the minors upon Dahl's return to action, so fantasy owners should still only target Denorfia in the deepest NL-only leagues unless a better opportunity presents itself in the near future.
Despite the unsightly batting line, the 36-year-old seems to have a solid chance to crack the roster with the big league club given that David Dahl (ribs) won't be ready for the start of the regular season. Denorfia doesn't have the upside many of the other competitors for a roster spot possess, but his right-handedness and vast major league experience could serve him well in his quest to be the Rockies' fourth outfielder to begin the season. This role doesn't provide a lot of fantasy upside, especially given that he may be destined to spend more time in the minors upon Dahl's return to action, so fantasy owners should still only target Denorfia in the deepest NL-only leagues unless a better opportunity presents itself in the near future.
Denorfia could hold the upper hand in the competition for a major league roster spot given the fact that he's the only right-handed hitter in the pack, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.
Prospects Raimel Tapia and Jordan Patterson are also vying for a spot, meaning the veteran probably isn't the most talented option Colorado has at its disposal. However, given the multitude of left-handed options in the mix, it wouldn't be surprising to see Denorfia emerge as a leading candidate if the Rockies decide to carry five outfielders. This is a bit of a stretch, however, as Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl, and Gerardo Parra are already in line to comprise the Rockies outfield in 2017, although it's worth noting that Denorfia holds a niche in the organization if any of them wind up getting injured prior to Opening Day.
Prospects Raimel Tapia and Jordan Patterson are also vying for a spot, meaning the veteran probably isn't the most talented option Colorado has at its disposal. However, given the multitude of left-handed options in the mix, it wouldn't be surprising to see Denorfia emerge as a leading candidate if the Rockies decide to carry five outfielders. This is a bit of a stretch, however, as Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl and Gerardo Parra are already in line to comprise the Rockies outfield in 2017, although it's worth noting that Denorfia holds a niche in the organization if any of them wind up getting injured prior to Opening Day.
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