LOS ANGELES— Perhaps no player has traveled a longer road to the big leagues this season than the Rockies’ Pat Valaika. Assigned to Double-A Hartford this spring, the infielder and his teammates were anticipating spending the first month or so on the road as the new team’s stadium was completed. But because of issues between the city and the contractors, the ballpark still isn’t finished, forcing the Yard Goats to find other pastures.
Valaika spent more than 100 games in the Eastern League before a promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque.
“On the road in Double-A, that was a grind,” Valaika said.