After acquiring Jonathan Lucroy from the Rangers in a deadline deal, the Rockies needed space on their 40-man roster. With catchers Ryan Hanigan having a decent year at the plate and Tom Murphy just getting over a forearm injury, Dustin Garneau was the backstop to go.
Drafted in the 19th round by the Rockies in 2009, Garneau was a college teammate of A’s left fielder Khris Davis. The two played together for three seasons, leading the Titans to two College World Series appearances in 2007 and 2009.