Colorado Rockies Release Former MLB Relievers Fernando Abad, Phillips Valdéz

Fernando Abad and Phillips Valdéz were attempting to make a return to MLB action, but both relievers were let go by the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate.

The Colorado Rockies have released relievers Fernando Abad and Phillips Valdéz, according to a report from Skyler Timmons of SB Nation's Purple Row.

Abad and Valdéz were both with Triple-A Albuquerque at the time of the move.

This marks the second time in a month that the Rockies have let Abad go, as they cut the veteran's latest MLB stint short by designating him for assignment on July 19. Abad had also been designated for assignment back on May 20.

Abad had a 4.26 ERA through 6.1 innings in 2023, not allowing a run in five of his six big league appearances. Of the 32 batters Abad faced in the majors this season, however, he struck out just two and walked three, ultimately posting a 2.211 WHIP.

The 37-year-old left-hander had a 1.40 ERA in Triple-A when he was last called up in July, but he owned a 17.36 ERA since rejoining the Isotopes.

Abad pitched for the Astros, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox from 2010 to 2017. Abad spent 2018 in the Philadelphia Phillies' and New York Mets' farm systems before joining the San Francisco Giants in 2019, and he went to the Baltimore Orioles in 2021 after failing to make the Nationals' and New York Yankees' major league rosters in 2020.

Abad has a 3.78 ERA and 1.322 WHIP across 406 career MLB outings.

Valdéz, on the other hand, did not get any time with the Rockies' major league club this season.

The 31-year-old Dominican Republic native made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2019, then spent 2020 to 2022 with the Red Sox. Across 76 big league appearances, Valdéz put up a 4.56 ERA and 1.442 WHIP.

Valdéz pitched in 22 games for Triple-A Albuquerque this season, drawing the start in 15 of those games. The right-hander went 5-7 with a 8.15 ERA and 1.946 WHIP down in the minors.

The two struggling, former major league relievers are now free agents and can sign with other clubs. If they are able to ink deals before Sept. 1, they would be eligible to join their new teams' respective playoff rosters.

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