Brecht -- in 1st outing since '24 Draft -- wows at Spring Breakout
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht. A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht.
A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the Hawkeyes and, of course, an attention-grabbing prospect ranking. But because he didn’t play in the Minors after being drafted, he was seen only on the back fields during instructional ball and Minor League camp.
After Brecht’s spotless, two-strikeout inning in the Rockies prospects' 3-1 victory over the White Sox prospects at Camelback Ranch, a wider audience should want to see more from him.
Brecht, 22, was more than eager for his breakout.
“It’s been a long offseason -- a long time without a game -- especially after not going [to a Minor League team] after the Draft,” Brecht said. “So I was really excited to go out there and play the game.”
Brecht replaced starter Gabriel Hughes (who threw two scoreless innings) and came back from a 2-0 count to fan White Sox No. 29 prospect Wilfred Veras swinging, authored another swinging K of Tim Elko and worked Chicago's No. 10 prospect George Wolkow into a fly ball to right field.
Out of the six swings he induced, Brecht coaxed four whiffs, a foul ball and Wolkow’s fly ball.
“I just wanted to establish a fastball and let everything else play off that -- let the slider work, let the splitter go to work, too,” Brecht said. “Just attack the zone, get ahead early and then everything else plays off each other.”
It’s not just Minor League fans and Rockies Nation who want to see more of Brecht.
“I absolutely loved his arm action, snapping that breaking ball really well,” said Double-A Hartford manager Bobby Meacham, who managed the Rockies' Spring Breakout club. “I could tell how happy he was to be out there healthy and pitching in a game like this. It must’ve been a ton of fun.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
THREE MORE TAKEAWAYS FROM SPRING BREAKOUT
• Hughes (Colorado's No. 16 prospect) rounded out the impression: Many in Rockies camp were taken by Hughes’ intellectually curious manner, and impressed by the way he has been gradually rebuilding his off-speed pitches since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023.
But after each of his innings -- the two-strikeout first inning and a second-inning that featured a double-play grounder from MLB Pipeline's No. 39-ranked prospect Colson Montgomery -- Hughes was quite animated as he left the mound. He is as competitive as he is cerebral.
“I’m never going to back down the intensity,” Hughes said. “That’s just how I play, and I was happy to be able to go out and showcase that intensity.
“It’s incredible being around guys that I’m going to be moving up with, playing with in the future. And we came out with a win.”
• Amador (Rockies' No. 7 prospect) shows his full game: Considering Adael Amador’s bat-to-ball skills and strike-zone control, it's no surprise that he boasts a .472 on-base percentage and .805 OPS in 16 Cactus League games this spring.
While Amador is more a gap hitter than a power hitter, he knocked 14 homers in Hartford last year and showed off his power with a two-run homer off Riley Gowens in the sixth inning Sunday.
But the lasting impression came when Amador ranged to his left to nab Montgomery’s grounder to start a double play in the second. Amador moved from shortstop last year, but he took much of the season to find a level of comfort.
After bulking up last year, Amador lost movement and flexibility and dealt with oblique issues. The new Amador looks the part of a second baseman.
“I love that kid,” said Meacham, who managed Amador last season and made developing him as a second baseman a personal project. “He worked his butt off and I could see that coming into Spring Training. I saw him the first day and was like, ‘Wow. He looks great, looks like he lost a little weight.’ Then the first time I saw him fielding ground balls, I was like, ‘He’s been working on some of the stuff.’”
• Remember these arms: In 2023, righty prospect Jordy Vargas (No. 14 in the Rockies' system) joined Hughes and Rockies rotation members Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela in undergoing Tommy John surgeries from Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister over one of the darkest periods in Rockies history. Now healthy, Vargas threw a clean, 13-pitch seventh inning.
“I didn’t know much about him, but I saw him pitch once earlier this spring and it was a ‘Who is that guy?’ kind of thing,” Meacham said. “It’s so fun to see guys have success after going through that full year of work coming back from surgery.”
Lefty reliever Welinton Herrera (No. 23) entered with two out and two on in the fifth and fanned White Sox No. 8 prospect Chase Meidroth.
“He’s kind of flown under the radar with people outside of the Rockies, not us,” Rockies pitching strategist Flint Wallace said of Herrera, 20, who struck out 92 in 62 1/3 combined innings with Single-A Fresno and High-A Spokane last year.
Senior Reporter Thomas Harding has covered the Rockies since 2000, and for MLB.com since 2002.
Comets Start Fast Again and Beat Salt Lake, 6-3
Oklahoma City Comets — 6 Salt Lake Bees — 3 Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – The Ballpark at America First Square – South Jordan, Utah Game Summary: For the second consecutive game, the Oklahoma City Comets scored in the first inning and led wire to wire during a 6-3 win
Rushing's Early Homer Sets Table for Win
Oklahoma City Comets — 4 Salt Lake Bees — 3 Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – The Ballpark at America First Square – South Jordan, Utah Game Summary: Dalton Rushing hit an early three-run homer, and the Oklahoma City Comets maintained the lead for the rest of the game on the
Comets Sweep Sunday Doubleheader with Tacoma
Game 1 Oklahoma City Comets — 8 Tacoma Rainiers — 4 (7 innings) Game 2 Oklahoma City Comets — 4 Tacoma Rainiers — 3 (8 innings) Sunday, April 20, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets won both games of a doubleheader
Tonight’s OKC Comets Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
Oklahoma City – The Oklahoma City Comets game tonight against the Tacoma Rainiers at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader of two seven-inning games starting with Game 1 at 1:35 p.m. Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown
Comets Even Series with Rainers Friday
Oklahoma City Comets — 4 Tacoma Rainiers — 3 Friday, April 18, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: Ryan Ward lined a RBI single into right field in the eighth inning to give the Oklahoma City Comets the lead on the way to a 4-3
Tacoma Breaks Late Tie to Send Comets to 5-4 Loss
Tacoma Rainiers — 5 Oklahoma City Comets — 4 Thursday, April 17, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: A RBI single in the top of the ninth inning by Tyler Locklear sent the Tacoma Rainiers to a 5-4 win against the Oklahoma City Comets Thursday
Kershaw Opens Rehab Assignment and Outman Homers in 3-1 Comets Win
*Oklahoma City Comets — 3 *Tacoma Rainiers — 1 Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: James Outman hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning and Clayton Kershaw opened a Major League Rehab Assignment with three scoreless innings as the Oklahoma
Oklahomans' Triumphs Over Health Challenges to be Honored with INTEGRIS Health "Home Run For Life" Celebrations
OKLAHOMA CITY – Five Oklahomans who have overcome significant health challenges will be celebrated on the field at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark throughout the 2025 season as the Oklahoma City Comets and INTEGRIS Health continue their impactful and uplifting “Home Run For Life” series for a 14th consecutive season. With the
Tacoma Takes Series Opener in OKC, 5-2
Tacoma Rainiers — 5 Oklahoma City Comets — 2 Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets were held to two runs Tuesday night as they opened their series against the Tacoma Rainiers with a 5-2 loss at Chickasaw Bricktown
OKC Comets to Retire No. 168 on 30th Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing Saturday
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Comets return home for a six-game series tonight through Sunday against the Tacoma Rainiers at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, highlighted by Saturday’s First Responders Night on the 30th anniversary of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Prior to
OKC Drops Series Finale in Round Rock
Round Rock Express — 6 Oklahoma City Comets — 3 Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Dell Diamond – Round Rock, Texas Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but were unable to complete a comeback in a 6-3 loss to the Round Rock Express
Comets Blast Seven Homers While Pitching Shutout
Oklahoma City Comets — 15 Round Rock Express — 0 Saturday, April 12, 2025 – Dell Diamond – Round Rock, Texas Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets hit seven home runs, and three pitchers combined on the team’s first shutout of the season during a 15-0 rout over the Round
Comets Cool Off in Round Rock
Round Rock Express — 2 Oklahoma City Comets — 1 (11 innings) Friday, April 11, 2025 – Dell Diamond – Round Rock, Texas Game Summary: Justin Foscue hit a game-winning single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning to send the Round Express to a 2-1
Comets Storm Back to Top Express
Oklahoma City Comets — 9 Round Rock Express — 8 Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Dell Diamond – Round Rock, Texas Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets scored seven runs over the final two innings, erasing a late four-run deficit to come back and defeat the Round Rock Express, 9-8,
Ruiz's Clutch Homer Sends Comets to Win
Oklahoma City Comets — 7 Round Rock Express — 5 Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – Dell Diamond – Round Rock, Texas Game Summary: Esteury Ruiz hit a three-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning to propel the Oklahoma City Comets to a 7-5 win over the Round Rock
Comets Catch Fire During 16-3 Win
Oklahoma City Comets — 16 Round Rock Express — 3 Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – Dell Diamond – Round Rock, Texas Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets exploded for 16 runs and 17 hits to run away with a 16-3 win over the Round Rock Express, 16-3, Tuesday afternoon at
Comets Drop Series Finale to Chihuahuas
El Paso Chihuahuas — 6 Oklahoma City Comets — 4 Sunday, April 6, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets closed out their first home series of the season with a 6-4 loss to the El Paso Chihuahuas Sunday afternoon at Chickasaw
Comets Suffer First Home Loss Saturday
El Paso Chihuahuas — 12 Oklahoma City Comets — 8 Saturday, April 5, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The El Paso Chihuahuas scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to break an 8-8 tie and send the Oklahoma City Comets to
Comets Ride Early Lead to 11-6 Win Friday
Oklahoma City Comets — 11 El Paso Chihuahuas — 6 Friday, April 4, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Comets built a 10-0 lead through six innings and held the El Paso Chihuahuas without a hit through seven innings in an 11-6
KOCB-TV to Air Select Comets Games
OKLAHOMA CITY – For the second consecutive season, the Oklahoma City Comets and KOCB-TV have partnered to broadcast all Sunday home games. The broadcast package includes 13 games during the 2025 season beginning Sunday, April 6. KOCB can be found as Channel 34 through digital antennas and DirecTV and as
Comets Come Back to Claim 6-5 Walk-Off Win in 11 Innings
Oklahoma City Comets — 6 El Paso Chihuahuas — 5 (11 innings) Thursday, April 3, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: James Outman connected on a RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning to send the Oklahoma City Comets to
OKC Comets and LifeShare of Oklahoma Encourage Organ Donation Through Continued Partnership
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Comets encourage Oklahomans to register as LifeShare Everlasting Fans throughout the 2025 baseball season as the team continues its impactful partnership with LifeShare of Oklahoma to help raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation in the state. April is National Donate Life Month
Big Inning Propels OKC to Fourth Straight Win
Oklahoma City Comets — 9 El Paso Chihuahuas — 4 Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: A nine-run fourth inning propelled the Oklahoma City Comets to a 9-4 win against the El Paso Chihuahuas Wednesday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as well
Comets Win Home Opener, 4-1, Tuesday
Oklahoma City Comets — 4 El Paso Chihuahuas — 1 Tuesday, April 1, 2025 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: A two-run home run by Michael Chavis in the sixth inning put the Oklahoma City Comets in the lead for good as they went on to
OKC Comets Take Field for Home Opener Tuesday
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Comets take the field to debut their new look and uniforms at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as they open the home portion of their 2025 schedule at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday against the El Paso Chihuahuas. The Triple-A affiliate of the 2024 World Champion Los Angeles