DENVER -- While Rockies No. 3 prospect Jeff Hoffman waits in the wings at Triple-A Albuquerque, another prospect remains just as close: left-hander Kyle Freeland.
Ranked the No. 8 prospect in Colorado's system, Freeland has advanced quickly and is making a case, along with Hoffman, to fill the injured Tyler Chatwood's rotation spot.
Although Freeland sports a 4.61 ERA in nine starts with Albuquerque, manager Glenallen Hill sees him as a "very good pitcher" so far at Triple-A.
Freeland and Hoffman have deep ties, dating back to playing together in the Cape Cod League, a collegiate wooden bat league.