DENVER — Wynton Bernard lastly obtained his probability to play within the main leagues a decade after he was drafted by the San Diego Padres.

Bernard singled, stole a base and scored in his main league debut, serving to the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-Three on Friday night time.

The 31-year-old Bernard toiled within the minors for greater than 10 years earlier than having his contract chosen by Colorado on Friday. He made it a memorable debut when he helped spark a seventh-inning rally that put the Rockies in entrance for good.

Bernard legged out an infield single after Sam Hilliard began the inning with a double off Chris Devenski (2-1). Bernard stole second, went to 3rd on Charlie Blackmon‘s RBI single and scored on a sacrifice fly.

“It is a particular second,” Bernard stated previous to the sport. “After what number of years I’ve performed I am lastly right here. It is superb. I am lastly right here.”

The 31-year-old Bernard was taken within the 35th spherical of the 2012 draft and spent three seasons within the Padres’ minor league system. He additionally performed within the minors for Detroit, San Francisco and the Chicago Cubs together with stints within the Mexican Winter League, Venezuelan Winter League and unbiased ball.

And he performed for the Brisbane Bandits of the Australian Baseball League.

Colorado supervisor Bud Black went to see Bernard and outfielder Connor Joe within the winter of 2020. He pitched batting observe to each gamers and inspired the Rockies to signal them.

“I made the advice to our entrance workplace to see if we are able to signal these guys,” Black stated. “Our entrance workplace contacted their brokers they usually obtained offers carried out.”

Joe made his Rockies debut in 2021 whereas Bernard performed for the Isotopes the previous two seasons. He hit .254 with seven homers in 2021. This yr, his numbers are excellent: .325 with 17 homers, 24 doubles and 26 stolen bases.

In 10 minor league seasons, he’s hitting .286 with 50 homers and 226 stolen bases.

Bernard was informed he was being promoted earlier than Albuquerque’s sport on Thursday. He celebrated with teammates and shared the information together with his mom in a video name.

“My mother’s feelings, it made me break down much more. She’s carried out a lot,” he stated. “The best way I noticed her deal with my dad earlier than he handed away, he was bedridden however she stayed by his facet. I stated to myself, ‘I understand how laborious she labored so I’ll work simply as laborious — if not tougher.’ Simply to see her response meant loads.”

The Rockies designated pitcher Jordan Sheffield for task. Additionally they recalled catcher Dom Nunez and positioned outfielder Yonathan Daza (left shoulder dislocation) and catcher Elias Diaz (left wrist sprain) on the 10-day injured listing.