MIAMI -- Outfielder Brandon Barnes didn't simply accept that his roster spot was a casualty of circumstances when the Rockies optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque on April 29.
Center fielder Charlie Blackmon's return from the 15-day disabled list, added to the need for the Rockies to protect their pitching numbers and the fact Barnes had Minor League options meant he had to go. But Barnes went about trying to make himself less dispensable.
Barnes used the regular playing time to hit .277 with a .333 on-base percentage, adding to his small-ball game with eight stolen bases in 12 tries over 34 Triple-A games.