Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black announced Sunday that backup catcher Brett Sullivan will sit on the bench for the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, ending a brief stint as a starter. The decision comes after Sullivan went 0-for-10 with six strikeouts in his last three appearances, prompting the front office to keep veteran Hunter Goodman behind the plate.
Sullivan, who logged two starts as catcher and one as a designated hitter over the past week, struggled offensively while delivering solid defense. The numbers reveal a .000 batting average in that span and a strikeout rate of 60 percent, underscoring why the Rockies chose to preserve Goodman’s consistency.
How the bench move reshapes Colorado Rockies catching depth
Colorado Rockies have leaned on Goodman as the everyday catcher since the season opened, and his recent health has allowed the team to retain stability at the position. Goodman posted a .255 average and a .990 fielding percentage through the first 30 games, figures that the coaching staff cites as benchmarks for any backup. By moving Sullivan to the bench, Colorado signals that it values defensive reliability over offensive experimentation.
Recent usage and performance trends for Brett Sullivan
During the past week, Sullivan appeared in three games, handling catcher duties twice and serving as a designated hitter once. In those outings he recorded no hits and struck out six times, a slump that contributed to the roster change. Despite the defensive reps, the Rockies’ front office indicated that without an injury to Goodman, Sullivan will likely remain a reserve for the foreseeable future.
Details behind the roster adjustment
According to CBS Sports, Sullivan’s bench status is effective immediately for the final game of the series. The article notes that his recent performance included two starts as catcher and one as a designated hitter, a role the Rockies experimented with to gauge his offensive potential. The club also highlighted that Sullivan was part of the Opening Day roster and signed a non‑resident international (NRI) agreement earlier in the year, underscoring his long‑term presence in the organization.Colorado Rockies catching depth remains anchored by Goodman’s veteran leadership, while Sullivan provides a competent backup in case of injury.
Impact and what’s next for Colorado
Going forward, the Rockies will lean on Goodman’s defensive skill set while monitoring Sullivan’s development in the minors. If Goodman were to miss time, the club could call up a prospect from Triple‑A Albuquerque, but the bench decision suggests the front office believes the current depth is sufficient for the short term. The move also reflects Colorado Rockies’ broader strategy of maintaining roster flexibility as the season progresses.
Is Hunter Goodman currently healthy?
Yes, Goodman has started the season without significant injury and continues to catch day‑after‑day, giving the Colorado Rockies a reliable primary catcher.
What was Brett Sullivan’s role on Opening Day?
Sullivan made the Colorado Rockies’ Opening Day roster as a backup catcher, a nod to his defensive capabilities and versatility.
How does the Rockies’ catching depth compare to NL rivals?
Colorado relies heavily on a single veteran catcher, whereas NL West opponents like the Dodgers field multiple catchers with comparable offensive upside, giving them a slight edge in depth.