Fresno Grizzlies Release Tentative 2023 Opening Day Roster

Fresno, CA – This morning, the Colorado Rockies announced the Fresno Grizzlies tentative Opening Day roster for the 2023 season. 17 pitchers and 12 position players have been assigned to Fresno, with eight players returning from previous seasons. Also, two of the Rockies' Top 30 Prospects as listed by MLB.com will don the Grizzlies threads to start 2023. The Rockies set the roster and are responsible for all the player transactions throughout the season

Who to Watch in 2023:

#13 Ranked Prospect RHP Jordy Vargas returns to Fresno after joining the team in the back half of the 2022 season. Vargas was named California League Pitcher of the Week after his 2nd start in a Grizzlies uniform. The Dominican native looks to build on that momentum this season and show why he is considered to have the Best Curveball in the Rockies system according to Baseball America.

#29 Ranked Prospect RHP Connor Staine was considered one of the top college arms in the 2022 draft. In his only year at UCF, Staine compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.87 ERA over 43.1 innings. The Clinton, New Jersey native headlines a dangerous Grizzlies rotation and looks to build confidence in his first professional season.

RHP Gabriel Barbosa is back in Fresno after joining the Grizzlies for their playoff push last season. The 21-year old is considered to have the Best Control in the Rockies system according to Baseball America (122.2 IP, 18 BB) and is a rising star in the organization. Barbosa is the second player in Fresno Grizzlies history to be born in Brazil (Murilo Gouvea, 2015).

SS Ryan Ritter was selected by the Rockies in the 4th round of last yearʼs draft out of the University of Kentucky. Ritter was named the 2022 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner at the D-1 level (59 games at short). He recorded a .973 fielding percentage with 137 assists and 83 putouts, making just 6 errors on the year. Now, the former Wildcat gets to use a brand new playing field to improve on both sides of the ball.

C/1B Bryant Betancourt signed with Colorado in January of 2022 as one of the top prospects in the international signing class and could be the next offensive gems in the Rockies system. Last year, Betancourt batted .355 with a 1.136 OPS, which landed him as a DSL Mid and Post Season All Star. His 11 bombs to 175 plate appearances put him on pace for 37.7 homers in 600 plate appearances. Even with the power numbers, Betancourt showed tons of plate discipline, walking more times than striking out (27/21). Watch out for Bryant to make some noise this season.

The Fresno Grizzlies start their 2023 campaign on April 6 at San Jose before returning to the friendly confines of Chukchansi Park on Tuesday, April 11 vs. Stockton. The Home Opener will feature Post-Game Fireworks presented by the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau, a Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by LiUNA!, and a chance for fans to see the new playing field in action. Single game tickets, ticket packages and more are available for purchase at FresnoGrizzlies.com or by calling the Chukchansi Park Ticket Office at 559-320-8497.

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ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies are the reigning California League Northern Division Champions and a proud affiliate of the Colorado Rockies organization. The team plays at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community venue that hosts a myriad of other special events including concerts, high school sporting events, and over 100 non-profit community events annually. The 2023 season will mark the teamʼs 21st year in Downtown Fresno and 25th baseball season since their inception in 1998.