Jaden

Hill

Hill is one of the better pitching prospects in Colorado’s system and figures to receive an extended opportunity at the highest level over the final two months as they pivot to a more long-term focus. The 25-year-old rookie has already made three relief appearances this season for Colorado.

Hill returns to the minors following three relief appearances for the Rockies after coming up last weekend for a doubleheader against the Nationals. The 25-year-old righty figures to be up-and-down for Colorado over the next few months.

Hill provides the Rockies with some extra bullpen depth for Sunday’s marathon at Coors Field. The 25-year-old righty made nine relief appearances last year in the big leagues for Colorado. He’ll head back to Triple-A Albuquerque at the conclusion of the twin bill.

Hill made nine relief appearances last year for Colorado and figures to be one of the first arms back up to the big leagues once injuries inevitably take their toll.

Justice threw just eight pitches since being recalled from Triple-A on Sunday. He walked one batter and struck out the only other one he faced, so he’ll now head back to Triple-A to wait for his next chance. Jaden Hill was called up to take his spot.

Hill was a second-round pick of the Rockies back in 2021 but after struggling in 16 starts last year in High-A, the Rockies decided to transition him to the bullpen. That may be a better fit long-term since command has always been a bit of a concern for Hill but his stuff is elite. He features a fastball that he can run up into the high 90s, a plus changeup, and a slider that he’s worked to recapture. Hill was strong in 38 1/3 innings in Double-A, posting a 3.52 ERA and 56:11 K:BB ratio, but his seven Triple-A innings have not been great. If he does get into a game and make his MLB debut, it will be a great story since the 24-year-old was one of the top pitching prospects in the country in high school before experiencing elbow issues as a freshman at LSU and then having his 2020 season cut short by COVID and undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021. Evan Justice was sent to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

None of the three were expected to make the major league roster but will hope to remain with the Rockies in the minor leagues.

Hill was the Rockies’ second-round pick in 2021 but didn’t make his professional debut as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. He struggled to a 9.48 ERA and 1.81 WHIP across 43 2/3 innings at High-A Spokane, which is known as a hitter’s park. The Rockies sent him to the Arizona Fall League to transition to the bullpen. Hill’s fastball sits in the upper nineties, and he finds himself in a high-leverage role at some point in his career.