PHOENIX -- Brendan Rodgers started at second base for the Rockies against the Brewers on Saturday afternoon, but it was by no means the start of his day. Garrett Hampson was in the dugout slated to enter as a reserve, but the game was merely part of his day, too.
Rodgers, who is the Rockies' top prospect and the No. 14 in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline, and Hampson, Colorado's No. 7 prospect, often begin their day at a half-field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The early work and frequent game action -- Hampson leads the Rockies with 23 games played, and Rodgers is tied with first baseman/third baseman Ryan McMahon with 22 -- is meant to accelerate their learning curves.