The decision to sign Nick Martini is not surprising based on his spring training performance and the Rockies preference for veteran players. In 45 plate appearances, he has 14 hits, including two home runs. Although he suffered a minor injury last week that resulted in some arm soreness, it is not expected to affect his play.

The decision to start Zac Veen ( No. 4 PuRP ) in Triple-A Albuquerque is puzzling, given his spring training performance. In 57 at-bats, Veen has 17 hits, including two home runs and nine stolen bases. That number ties him with David Hamilton (Red Sox) for the most stolen bases in spring training.

Sending Diego Castillo (4.50 ERA), Aaron Schunk, and Aaron Nola to Albuquerque was unsurprising given that these players have not made notable spring training showings and may provide depth later in the season.

In making these moves, the Rockies have also ruled out using Owen Miller to help address the hole in the lineup created by Thairo Estrada’s broken right wrist .

In light of yesterday’s trade that sent Nolan Jones to the Cleveland Guardians for INF/UTIL Tyler Freeman, there was speculation that perhaps the time had arrived for Veen to make his MLB debut, but this morning, the Rockies indicated they believe he would benefit from additional time in Triple-A.

It appears, then, the Rockies will go with an outfield lineup of Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, and Sean Bouchard with Nick Martini and Sam Hilliard providing backup while Freeman and Kyle Farmer split second base/utility duties.

This story will be updated as additional details become available.

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