Pat Valaika found himself in unfortunate and familiar territory on Saturday afternoon while cleaning out his locker in the Rockies’ clubhouse.
The third-year Colorado infielder learned ahead of Rockies-Reds at Coors Field that he was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque after the team recalled pitcher Kyle Freeland. It marked the end of a fourth short MLB stint for Valaika in Colorado this season between several minor-league designations.
“Just go down and play and be ready for the next time,” Valaika, 26, said of his mindset moving forward. “You can always work on everything. I don’t want to get complacent in anything.