Parker

Mushinski

Mushinski remains with the Rockies as organizational relief depth after being released over the weekend. The 30-year-old southpaw compiled a serviceable 5.45 ERA across 33 innings in the big leagues from 2022-2024 while with the Astros.

The writing on the wall came Sunday after Mushinski was optioned to minor league camp, and the 30-year-old has decided to opt-out to test the waters rather than report to Triple-A Albuquerque. The 30-year-old could return to Colorado if he doesn’t find a better opportunity.

No real surprises among this batch of cuts for the Rockies. These moves get them down to 36 players remaining in major league camp as we inch closer to Opening Day. Look for them to finalize their roster in the coming days. Fulford hit .213/.267/.324 in 120 plate appearances with the Rockies last year, but slugged .714 in 171 Triple-A plate appearances and figures to be their third catcher this season.

Mushinski is a longtime Astros prospect who had a 5.45 ERA in 33 major league innings from 2022-24. He made his way to the Guardians system last season and had a 3.78 ERA and a 66/33 K/BB in 50 innings out of the bullpen for Triple-A Columbus. He should have a chance to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training.

All four will stay with the Guardians through the exhibition series, and then likely report to Triple-A Columbus. In order for any of the four to play for the Guardians in 2025, they’ll need to be added to the 40-man roster.

The 28-year-old southpaw appeared in 10 games for the Astros during the 2024 season, posting a 6.55 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and a 3/5 K/BB ratio over his 11 frames. The Guardians have done a terrific job in recent years of turning scrap heap relievers into viable high-leverage options, so don’t be surprised if we end up seeing Mushinski get some very important outs for them before the 2025 season is through.

Mushinski cleared waivers after being DFA’d on Friday. He’ll have to accept the outright assignment, but he will be a minor league free agent at season’s end.

Mushinski had been in Triple-A since June. The 28-year-old has a 5.45 ERA in 31 major league relief appearances since debuting with the Astros in 2022.

Mushinski pitched the last two days, giving up two runs in 1 2/3 innings. He had a 6.55 ERA overall in 10 appearances for the Astros.

No word yet on a corresponding move. Mushinski has an 11.25 ERA in four appearances with the Astros this season. The 28-year-old has appeared in 24 games with Houston over the past three years and has a 5.88 ERA.