Patterson Shows Improved Discipline

DENVER—Improved pitch selection helped right fielder Jordan Patterson draw walks at an unprecedented rate and get off to a fast start at Triple-A Albuquerque.

“He’s not swinging at pitches out of his zone,” player development director Zach Wilson said.

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“He’s not diving for pitches. He’s not fishing for pitches. He is really locked into pitches that he can drive. And when he gets a pitch in his area, he’s hitting it hard.”

The 24-year-old Patterson hit .338/.480/.468 in his first 24 games with one homer and 20 RBIs. He had collected more walks (20) than strikeouts (17).

Patterson, who has moved fast since the Rockies drafted him in the fourth round in 2013 out of South Alabama, split last season between high Class A Modesto and Double-A New Britain. He hit a combined .297/.364/.543 with 17 homers, while leading the minors with 45 doubles and 74 extra-base hits. The lefthanded batter finished the season with 30 walks and 130 strikeouts in 125 games.

“With really good breaking balls, he could free-swing at times,” Wilson said. “He’s got enough experience now of seeing good arms that he’s starting to recognize those pitches earlier, and he’s able to lay off them earlier. That’s been a huge difference to his hot start.”

Patterson, who is 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, is an average runner, which is notable considering his size. He has a plus arm in right field, where he has shown the ability to make all the routine plays. He projects to have at least average power.

Patterson also played first base in college. Entering this season, he had played first base in 43 games as a professional, including 21 last year at New Britain. He had not played first base this season, but Wilson said the key was to make sure Patterson got going offensively before seeing any time at first base.

“He needs professional reps (at first base),” Wilson said. “But he knows the position, so it’s not like you have to teach him all the foundations of the position like we had to with other guys. I think he’s got every chance to be an average first baseman.”

ROCKY ROADS

• Double-A Hartford righthander Antonio Senzatela came out of his second start on April 14 in the third inning with right shoulder tightness and is on the disabled list. The injury is not believed to be serious.

• Reliever Austin House and starter Matt Flemer, both righthanders, were promoted from Hartford to Albuquerque.