Ryan

Spilborghs

Center field has been the weak link for the Rockies this season with Cory Sullivan and Choo Freeman combining for just three home runs, 30 RBI and 111 strikeouts. Spilborghs lacks the range of the alternatives, but he hit .280 in 75 at-bats earlier this season with the Rockies and could get an extended look the remainder of this season.

The Rockies indicated that they’re interested in giving Spilborghs a chance to win the center-field job, so he’s worth grabbing in NL-only leagues. Cory Sullivan could lose what value he had left. If he plays regularly, Spilborghs should hit .280 with a few homers and steals over the rest of the year.

Spilborghs was supposed to get a look in center field, but he instead played right with the Cubs throwing a lefty tonight. Right field will remain Brad Hawpe’s spot against right-handers, so maybe Spilborghs will play center on Saturday. He’s worth picking up in NL-only leagues.

Spilborghs doesn’t have the range in center to challenge Cory Sullivan for playing time, so he’ll be used mostly as a pinch-hitter. It’s unlikely that he’ll have any fantasy value.

Cory Sullivan has been benched three straight games, the last two in favor of Spilborghs. The Rockies probably won’t make Sullivan a bench player without giving him another opportunity, but Spilborghs is turning into a sleeper.

Both could be non-tendered this winter, making them free agents. Spilborghs, who has previously played winter ball in Mexico, spent two stints on the disabled list this season with plantar fasciitis in his right heel, limiting him to 98 games. Stewart didn’t play in the instructional league due to a wrist injury and isn’t expected to swing a bat until November. The Rockies have yet to make any decisions regarding either player, though Rockies owner Dick Monfort recently expressed confidence in Stewart as an option at third base moving forward.

Grady Sizemore was the alternative, but he’s now expected to begin the season on the disabled list following a back strain. Brantley will likely move from left field to center, but Acta plans to give other players a look before making a final decision. Ezequiel Carrera, Felix Pie, Trevor Crowe and Ryan Spilborghs are among the possibilities.

Brantley went 0-for-1 before being replaced by Ryan Spilborghs. It’s not clear whether his exit was injury-related, but Nick Camino of WTAM 1100 writes that he has already left the stadium altogether. Stay tuned for an update.

Indians manager Manny Acta called his exit precautionary and he is currently listed as day-to-day. We suspect they’ll be extra careful here, as their current alternatives for center field include Felix Pie, Ryan Spilborghs and Aaron Cunningham.

Spilborghs was beaten out by Aaron Cunningham in the fight for a right-handed hitting outfielder bench role. He could choose to opt out of his minor league deal. Accardo was terrific in spring training, but the Tribe elected to carry Jairo Asencio instead.