Hilliard passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment last week following the Rockies decision to sign Mickey Moniak. The 31-year-old lefty-masher is merely organizational fodder at this stage of his career.

The Rockies are so excited about 34-year-old journeyman Nick Martini that they’re cutting Hilliard after he hit .239/.305/.507 for the club last season and after giving him a $1 million deal in November. He’ll probably clear waivers, and while he could opt for free agency, his best bet would be to stick around and wait another change in the winds.

Apart from NRI Nick Martini, the Rockies declined to add any outfield help over the winter, which suggests that Hilliard is guaranteed a spot and could well wind up getting most of the starts in right field if Jordan Beck disappoints this spring. That doesn’t seem ideal, given Hilliard’s history, but he was fairly effective in hitting .239/.305/.507 with 10 homers in 158 plate appearances for the Rockies last season.

Hilliard performed well after getting the call in late June, hitting .239/.305/.507 over 158 plate appearances in his return to Colorado. It’d be for the best if he doesn’t have a big role for the Rockies next season, but he is more interesting as a reserve than Jake Cave.