Brecht -- in 1st outing since '24 Draft -- wows at Spring Breakout
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht. A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht.
A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the Hawkeyes and, of course, an attention-grabbing prospect ranking. But because he didn’t play in the Minors after being drafted, he was seen only on the back fields during instructional ball and Minor League camp.
After Brecht’s spotless, two-strikeout inning in the Rockies prospects' 3-1 victory over the White Sox prospects at Camelback Ranch, a wider audience should want to see more from him.
Brecht, 22, was more than eager for his breakout.
“It’s been a long offseason -- a long time without a game -- especially after not going [to a Minor League team] after the Draft,” Brecht said. “So I was really excited to go out there and play the game.”
Brecht replaced starter Gabriel Hughes (who threw two scoreless innings) and came back from a 2-0 count to fan White Sox No. 29 prospect Wilfred Veras swinging, authored another swinging K of Tim Elko and worked Chicago's No. 10 prospect George Wolkow into a fly ball to right field.
Out of the six swings he induced, Brecht coaxed four whiffs, a foul ball and Wolkow’s fly ball.
“I just wanted to establish a fastball and let everything else play off that -- let the slider work, let the splitter go to work, too,” Brecht said. “Just attack the zone, get ahead early and then everything else plays off each other.”
It’s not just Minor League fans and Rockies Nation who want to see more of Brecht.
“I absolutely loved his arm action, snapping that breaking ball really well,” said Double-A Hartford manager Bobby Meacham, who managed the Rockies' Spring Breakout club. “I could tell how happy he was to be out there healthy and pitching in a game like this. It must’ve been a ton of fun.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
THREE MORE TAKEAWAYS FROM SPRING BREAKOUT
• Hughes (Colorado's No. 16 prospect) rounded out the impression: Many in Rockies camp were taken by Hughes’ intellectually curious manner, and impressed by the way he has been gradually rebuilding his off-speed pitches since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023.
But after each of his innings -- the two-strikeout first inning and a second-inning that featured a double-play grounder from MLB Pipeline's No. 39-ranked prospect Colson Montgomery -- Hughes was quite animated as he left the mound. He is as competitive as he is cerebral.
“I’m never going to back down the intensity,” Hughes said. “That’s just how I play, and I was happy to be able to go out and showcase that intensity.
“It’s incredible being around guys that I’m going to be moving up with, playing with in the future. And we came out with a win.”
• Amador (Rockies' No. 7 prospect) shows his full game: Considering Adael Amador’s bat-to-ball skills and strike-zone control, it's no surprise that he boasts a .472 on-base percentage and .805 OPS in 16 Cactus League games this spring.
While Amador is more a gap hitter than a power hitter, he knocked 14 homers in Hartford last year and showed off his power with a two-run homer off Riley Gowens in the sixth inning Sunday.
But the lasting impression came when Amador ranged to his left to nab Montgomery’s grounder to start a double play in the second. Amador moved from shortstop last year, but he took much of the season to find a level of comfort.
After bulking up last year, Amador lost movement and flexibility and dealt with oblique issues. The new Amador looks the part of a second baseman.
“I love that kid,” said Meacham, who managed Amador last season and made developing him as a second baseman a personal project. “He worked his butt off and I could see that coming into Spring Training. I saw him the first day and was like, ‘Wow. He looks great, looks like he lost a little weight.’ Then the first time I saw him fielding ground balls, I was like, ‘He’s been working on some of the stuff.’”
• Remember these arms: In 2023, righty prospect Jordy Vargas (No. 14 in the Rockies' system) joined Hughes and Rockies rotation members Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela in undergoing Tommy John surgeries from Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister over one of the darkest periods in Rockies history. Now healthy, Vargas threw a clean, 13-pitch seventh inning.
“I didn’t know much about him, but I saw him pitch once earlier this spring and it was a ‘Who is that guy?’ kind of thing,” Meacham said. “It’s so fun to see guys have success after going through that full year of work coming back from surgery.”
Lefty reliever Welinton Herrera (No. 23) entered with two out and two on in the fifth and fanned White Sox No. 8 prospect Chase Meidroth.
“He’s kind of flown under the radar with people outside of the Rockies, not us,” Rockies pitching strategist Flint Wallace said of Herrera, 20, who struck out 92 in 62 1/3 combined innings with Single-A Fresno and High-A Spokane last year.
Senior Reporter Thomas Harding has covered the Rockies since 2000, and for MLB.com since 2002.
Miscues and Missed Opportunities Cost Grizzlies in Extras
BOX SCORE Missed opportunities, including a potential ninth inning run, and defensive mistakes opened the door for the Stockton Ports (25-28) to upend the Fresno Grizzlies (24-29) 4-3 in 10 innings Wednesday night at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton. The Grizzlies took the early lead for the second consecutive night,
Castillo, Loer Fuel Grizzlies in Series Opening Win
BOX SCORE A five-spot in the 8th inning gave the Fresno Grizzlies (24-28) enough firepower to back their pitchers on their way to taking the series opener from the Stockton Ports (24-28) by the score of 10-6 Tuesday night at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton. Grizzlies starter Bryan Mena dealt
Catlett, Grizzlies Shutout Rawhide
BOX SCORE Behind their most dominant outing from a starter this season, the Fresno Grizzlies (23-28) shutout the Visalia Rawhide (23-28) 2-0 to win the series Sunday afternoon at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Everett Catlett delivered the longest start by a Grizzlies pitcher this season, scattering two hits and
Grizzlies Fall as Rawhide Bats Rally
BOX SCORE With an opportunity to secure the series victory on Saturday, the Fresno Grizzlies (22-28) fell 13-2 to the Visalia Rawhide (23-27) Saturday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Visalia exercised its frustrations on the Grizzlies pitching staff that led the California League in ERA through the month
Wright Powers Offense, Pitching Stifles Rawhide
BOX SCORE Pitching set the tone and Blake Wright’s three-hit game keyed the Fresno Grizzlies (22-27) 2-1 win over the Visalia Rawhide (21-28) Friday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Grizzlies starter Jackson Cox delivered his best outing of the season with three perfect innings in front of an
Fitzer's Walk-Off Completes Comeback
BOX SCORE Down three runs after four innings, the Fresno Grizzlies (21-27) turned the game around in the sixth and walked it off in the bottom of the ninth when Kevin Fitzer drove in Derek Bernard to defeat the Visalia Rawhide (22-26) Thursday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno.
Mena, Bullpen Shutout Rawhide Wednesday Night
BOX SCORE A stifling pitching performance equated to the first home shutout of the season as Bryan Mena led the Fresno Grizzlies (20-27) to 3-0 victory over the Visalia Rawhide (22-25) Wednesday night at Chukchansi Park. Mena kept the Rawhide silent for 5.2 innings using great efficiency through the first
Despite Homers to Force Extras, Grizzlies Fall
BOX SCORE Despite battling back to force extra-innings with a pair of home runs, the Fresno Grizzlies (19-27) fell 4-3 in 11 innings to the Visalia Rawhide (22-24) Tuesday evening at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Rawhide opened the game with a pair of hits that produced a run
Fresno Tacos 10-Year Anniversary, Celebrity Appearance, and Candy Craze Highlight Exciting Series
Fresno, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies are set for another unforgettable series at Chukchansi Park, hosting the Visalia Rawhide from Tuesday, May 27 through Sunday, June 1. Fans will enjoy iconic celebrations, special celebrity appearances, and family-friendly fun all week long. Series Highlights: Friday, May 30 – 10-Year Fresno Tacos
Offensive Explosion Backs Johnson Jr.
BOX SCORE An offensive outburst helped the Fresno Grizzlies (19-25) breakthrough and back a strong start from Lebarron Johnson Jr. on their way to a 10-4 win over the San Jose Giants (24-20) Saturday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Johnson Jr. worked through traffic in each of the
Missed Chances Cost Grizzlies Friday Night
BOX SCORE The chances piled up late, but the Fresno Grizzlies (18-25) couldn’t break through in a 2-0 loss to the San Jose Giants (24-19) Friday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Grizzlies left eight runners on, including the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the
Early Deficit Turns into Thursday Defeat
BOX SCORE A 7-run first inning put the Fresno Grizzlies (18-24) behind the eight ball on their way to a 16-2 defeat at the hands of the San Jose Giants (23-19) Thursday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. San Jose took the lead just two batters into the game
Bullpen Battle Tilts Against Fresno
BOX SCORE One day after the Fresno Grizzlies (18-23) flipped the game against the bullpen, they failed to replicate the effort in a 4-3 loss to the San Jose Giants (22-19) Wednesday night at Chukchansi Park. San Jose scored on a run on the first three pitches of the game
Key Defensive Plays Help Grizzlies Take Opener
BOX SCORE Pitching and defense swung the series opener in favor of the Fresno Grizzlies (18-22) pulled out a 3-2 victory against the San Jose Giants (21-19) Tuesday afternoon at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Errors put the Grizzlies in an early hole but strong pitching throughout and some key
Growers Night, Grizzlies’ First Drone Show, and Parker’s Birthday Highlight Late May Series
Fresno, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies welcome fans to Chukchansi Park for another thrilling homestand from Tuesday, May 20 through Sunday, May 25 against the San Jose Giants. Fans can anticipate a week filled with special tributes, groundbreaking entertainment, and festive celebrations. Series Highlights: Friday, May 23 – Growers Night
Grizzlies Drop Series Finale
BOX SCORE With the series in hand, the Fresno Grizzlies (17-22) showed flashes of the offensive punch they delivered throughout the series but ultimately fell 12-3 in the series finale against the Lake Elsinore Storm (17-22) Sunday afternoon at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. The Grizzlies got off to a
Grizzlies Erase Five Run Deficit in Win
BOX SCORE Down to the final strike, the Fresno Grizzlies (17-21) overcame a five-run deficit to win 6-5 and earn a series victory over the Lake Elsinore Storm (16-22) Saturday night at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Robert Calaz came up with the big hit in the clutch, one night
Five-Run First, Stingy Bullpen Quiet Storm
BOX SCORE Robert Calaz belted a three-run homer in the first and four Fresno Grizzlies (16-21) pitchers combined to hold onto the 6-3 win over the Lake Elsinore Storm (16-21) Friday night at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Calaz’s fourth homer of the year sparked a big first inning for
Unearned Run Costs Grizzlies Thursday Night Loss
BOX SCORE An unearned run in the first inning was the sole blemish in the Fresno Grizzlies (15-21) 1-0 loss to the Lake Elsinore Storm (16-20) Thursday night at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Both teams had chances to score throughout but were a combined 1-13 with runners in scoring
Herrera, Grizzlies Shutout Storm
BOX SCORE One night after the offense carried the game away, the first shutout in ten months propelled the Fresno Grizzlies (15-20) to a 3-0 victory over the Lake Elsinore Storm (15-20) Wednesday afternoon at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Marcos Herrera dazzled in his first start for the Fresno
Grizzlies Turn Around Slow Start, Cruise to 12-3 Win
BOX SCORE Down early, the Fresno Grizzlies (14-20) completely turned things around on their hosts on the way to a 12-3 series opening win over the Lake Elsinore Storm (15-19) Tuesday night at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore. It was a long first inning for the Grizzlies and Lebarron Johnson
Tequila Fest Returns This Saturday with Ludacris, Juvenile, Ying Yang Twins, and Nina Sky
Fresno, CA – Tequila Fest is back at Chukchansi Park this Saturday, May 17, and promises to deliver its biggest lineup yet. Presented by Deleón Tequila, the star-studded festival is headlined by legendary performers Ludacris, Juvenile, Ying Yang Twins, and Nina Sky, alongside local DJs and other exciting acts. Hosted
Missed Chances Pile Up in Extra-Innings Loss
BOX SCORE A messy finish spilled into extra-innings as a 6-5 decision slipped away from the Fresno Grizzlies (13-20) in 11 innings in the series finale against the Modesto Nuts (20-13) Sunday afternoon at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Grizzlies had their chances despite trailing most of the day,
Catlett, Bullpen Buoy Grizzlies to Series Victory
BOX SCORE After leaning on the offense for big numbers through the first four games of the series, the Fresno Grizzlies (13-19) relied heavily on the bullpen for a 2-1 win over the Modesto Nuts (19-13) Saturday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Forced into action before even the