NEW YORK — Thairo Estrada has made a return to Major League Baseball as he was activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday. Marking his Colorado Rockies debut, Estrada was placed in the cleanup spot against the New York Mets.
Estrada’s season was put on hold due to a broken right wrist, but he looked sharp during his recovery phase, managing a .304 batting average in five rehabilitation games with the Triple-A Albuquerque club.
Interim manager Warren Schaeffer expressed optimism, anticipating Estrada’s contribution could give a much-needed lift to the Rockies, given their disheartening record of 9-48, the worst any team has experienced through 57 games since 1901.
“Adding Thairo is significant,” remarked Schaeffer. “He’s skilled, experienced, and passionate about baseball. His energy could be transformative.”
Despite not hitting in his first game back, going 0 for 3 with one run in a 4-2 loss, Estrada quickly demonstrated his resilience. A close call came during the third inning when his potential hit was denied by Francisco Lindor’s exceptional leaping catch. Estrada was then awarded first base after getting hit by a pitch.
Throughout his six-year tenure in the majors, Estrada, now 29, has achieved a .251 batting average, hit 48 homers, and successfully stolen 52 bases.
Having started with the New York Yankees in 2019, Estrada spent recent years with the San Francisco Giants before joining the Rockies. He was strategically placed fourth in the batting order against Mets’ lefty David Peterson as part of the series’ opener at Citi Field.
“Thairo is versatile. He fits right in against left-handers,” Schaeffer explained pre-game. “He can be slotted anywhere in the lineup.”
In complementary roster changes, the Rockies called up outfielder Sam Hilliard, also from Albuquerque. Making a striking return, Hilliard hit a pinch-hit home run in his season’s first major league plate appearance, narrowing the score to 3-2 in the seventh inning.
“Getting that hit was amazing. I hope it sets a precedent for what lies ahead,” stated Hilliard.
Consequently, Nick Martini found himself designated for assignment. The Rockies also optioned infielder Adael Amador to Triple-A earlier in the week.
“We’re stirring things up a bit,” Schaeffer commented. “Sam’s got speed, a reliable glove, and his style aligns with being aggressive and keeping the ball in play.”
The Rockies had inked Estrada to a one-year deal worth $4 million in January, with this year’s salary set at $3.25 million. The contract also includes an enticing $7 million mutual option for the 2026 season, supported by a $750,000 buyout.
Estrada’s injury stemmed from a spring training accident in March, where a 97 mph pitch from the Texas Rangers’ Kumar Rocker ended up fracturing his wrist.