The Colorado Rockies have signed infielder Aaron Schunk from Triple-A Albuquerque, the team announced Friday afternoon.
Schunk is currently ranked as the 30th most promising young player in the Rockies farm system.
Although Schunk is not in the Rockies’ starting lineup on Friday against the Chicago White Sox, he will make his MLB debut when he comes off the bench. The soon-to-be 27-year-old rookie will wear jersey No. 30.
Colorado designated infielder Alan Trejo for assignment to make room for Schunk on the 26- and 40-man rosters. Right-handed pitcher Riley Pint, meanwhile, was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque along with Schunk.
The Colorado Rockies announced the following changes today:
– Selected the contract of INF Aaron Schunk (#30) from Triple-A Albuquerque.
– RHP Riley Pint (#41) recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque.
– INF Alan Trejo designated for deployment.The Rockies’ 40-man roster is full.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) June 28, 2024
Schunk was Colorado’s second-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and came to the Rockies from the University of Georgia. In 154 games with the Bulldogs, Schunk hit .312 with 19 home runs, 114 RBI and an .823 OPS, while also posting a 2.79 ERA, a 1.026 WHIP and 20 saves in 38 career relief pitching appearances.
Although Schunk has not pitched a single inning since the beginning of his professional career, he continued to deliver solid batting averages in the minor leagues.
Schunk’s batting average has increased every year since the 2020 season, which was canceled due to COVID, and his OPS has steadily increased from level to level. Since arriving in Albuquerque in 2023, Schunk has a .291 batting average with 21 home runs, 120 RBI, 23 stolen bases and an OPS of .810.
In the 69 plate appearances Schunk made this season before his call-up, he had a .291 batting average with seven home runs, 43 RBI, 11 stolen bases and an .808 OPS. He also batted .273 with six RBI and an OPS of .647 in 20 Cactus League games in Spring Training.
Now, Schunk is ready to make his first taste of the big leagues. He’s primarily a third baseman, but he also has plenty of experience at second base and recently added the shortstop position to his repertoire, so he can get into the game in multiple ways.
The first pitch for what could be Schunk’s MLB debut is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
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