Colorado Rockies complete long and winding road, call up Riley Pint

DENVER — The long and winding road has finally led Riley Pint to Coors Field and a spot on the active roster for the Colorado Rockies.

Colorado Rockies call up former first-round pick Riley Pint

The fourth overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft, Pint struggled in the minor leagues and announced his retirement from baseball in 2021, walking 10 batters in 10.2 innings before stepping away from the game at the High-A level. However, Pint returned the following March, progressing all the way to Triple-A while showing improved command.

That time away was critical for Pint, he told reporters inside the Rockies clubhouse on Sunday morning.

“For me, I just got back to what I’ve done since I was a kid, and that’s just compete, go out there, don’t overthink anything and just do my thing,” Pint said. “I was in a cycle there for a while where I just couldn’t get out of my own way. Everything I did, I was always thinking about something else while I was trying to get outs out there.

“I think for me, it just really helped taking a step back and focusing in on what I’m good at and what I can do on the mound.”

Known when he was first drafted for his fastball that reached 102 mph, Colorado manager Bud Black indicated that Pint would come out of the bullpen for the Rockies.

“It’s a good story, and I hope it continues on the positive side,” Black said. “There was a valley in there that was pretty deep and he’s risen out of it, so that’s a great tribute to him that’s he is here.

“I think there’s a bright future because there’s a big talent in there. There’s a Major League-quality arm,” Black continued. “He’s a good kid and I hope he has a long career. This is a starting point. Who knows how it is going to play out, but he got to the big leagues. He’s here.”