The former top prospect is expected to play third base in wake of the Ryan McMahon trade.
The Colorado Rockies made a flurry of roster moves on Friday afternoon following the trade of franchise third baseman Ryan McMahon to the New York Yankees. In addition, they are expected to promote his replacement.
First, the Rockies optioned Adael Amador (no. 3 PuRP) back to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes after a strong showing against the St. Louis Cardinals in which he went 5-for-10 with two doubles and three RBIs over three games.
Second baseman Thairo Estrada has been activated from the 10-day injured list. Estrada suffered a thumb sprain on an awkward slide against the Boston Red Sox. The 29-year-old veteran has suffered multiple hand and wrist injuries since joining the Rockies over the off-season, but has seen success despite the limited playing time.
In 29 games, he has hit .284/.312/.397 with two home runs, seven doubles, and 18 RBIs. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Rockies are likely hoping he is able to audition himself as a trade candidate over the next few days.
With Ryan Ritter (no. 17 PuRP) on the 10-day injured list with a finger laceration, veteran Orlando Arcia is expected to temporarily fill in at third base in McMahon’s absence. However, the Rockies will still need a third baseman and have an open slot on their 40-man roster.
This means the Rockies’ tenth big league debut of 2025 is at hand.
Thomas Harding reported on Friday that the Rockies are expected to select the contract of 23-year-old Dominican corner infielder Warming Bernabel (no. 36 PuRP).
The Rockies signed Bernabel for a $900,000 bonus as part of their 2018 international signing class.
Bernabel was once a top prospect within the organization, ranking as high as no. 7 overall per MLB Pipeline and our own Purple Row rankings in 2023. He was also added to the Rockies’ 40-man roster as a Rule 5 protection in 2022.
However, after down years with the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats in 2023 (.225/.270/.338) and 2024 (.263/.296/.359), Bernabel was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster. He cleared waivers and stayed with the organization.
Bernabel started the 2025 season with Triple-A Albuquerque and has found new life at the plate. After 75 games—splitting time at first and third base, as well as a few starts as the designated hitter—he is slashing .301/.356/.450 with 18 doubles, eight home runs, and 45 RBIs. He’s also stolen five bases.
A solid defender at both corner infield spots, Bernabel has steady footwork and good arm strength. He also has a solid hit tool and can get the barrel to the ball without striking out at too high a clip despite an aggressive plate approach.
The roster move is expected on Saturday at the earliest before the Rockies play the Baltimore Orioles.
In an additional move, right-handed reliever Victor Vodnik has been placed on the paternity list. Veteran righty Nick Anderson has had his contract selected to fill in.
Anderson, 35, signed with the Rockies on a minor league deal back in June. In 12 1⁄3 innings with the Triple-A Isotopes he has struck out 15 batters. Anderson will wear no. 61 on his jersey, last worn by right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence.
To open a spot on the 40-man roster, the Rockies have designated outfielder Sean Bouchard for assignment.
Bouchard, 29, hit .167/.247/.242 with a triple and a home run in limited big league playing time this season. He has spent the majority of the year in Triple-A. In 41 games with the Isotopes he has hit .242/.380/.425 with seven home runs. He has played all three outfield positions during that time.
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