5:15 PM: The Rockies have confirmed these transactions.
4:19 PM: The Rockies are planning to designate John Brebbia for task, studies Thomas Harding of MLB.com. In his place, they’re calling up fellow right-hander Gabriel Hughes. Colorado protected Hughes from the Rule 5 draft by deciding on his contract final November, so this transfer will go away the crew with an open 40-man spot.
Brebbia, now 36, was a journeyman from the start. He frolicked within the Yankees’ and Diamondbacks’ minor league methods, in addition to with two groups within the impartial American Affiliation, earlier than he lastly made his MLB debut for the Cardinals in 2017. After multi-year stints in St. Louis and San Francisco, he has change into a journeyman as soon as once more. Over the past three seasons, he has suited up for the White Sox, Braves, Tigers, and Rockies. He additionally signed minor league contracts with the Purple Sox and Twins.
The righty owns a decent 4.12 ERA and three.68 SIERA in 379 profession video games. Nonetheless, he has had bother conserving runs off the board during the last three seasons, and his uncooked stuff has actually diminished. Presuming he clears waivers, his observe document ought to earn him a brand new minor league contract, however he’ll must earn his means again to the majors.
Hughes, 24, might be making his MLB debut the primary time he will get in a sport. The suitable-hander was a first-round decide in 2022, however Tommy John surgical procedure in 2023 rapidly derailed his skilled profession. Within the years since, he has but to look as promising as he did when the Rockies drafted him tenth general. Heading into 2026, most sources agreed he was a 40-grade prospect, falling someplace on the again half of his crew’s prime 30 record. He has the upside to be a back-end starter, however he appeared extra more likely to change into an extended reliever finally.
In 40 2/3 innings with Triple-A Albuquerque this 12 months, Hughes has appeared significantly better than he did final season. His velocity is up, and he has considerably elevated his strikeout totals whereas decreasing his stroll price. On prime of that, he has restricted his opponents to simply two residence runs within the famously hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. It’s an encouraging signal that he’s making the changes he wanted to make to stay as a starter. Harding notes that Hughes is extra more likely to pitch out of Colorado’s bullpen upon his call-up, however this promotion remains to be a very good signal that the Rockies like what they’re seeing from him as a starter at Triple-A.
