Journeyman Wynton Bernard keys Colorado Rockies win after 10 seasons in minors

DENVER — Wynton Bernard finally got his chance to play in the major leagues a decade after he was drafted by the San Diego Padres.

Bernard singled, stole a base and scored in his major league debut, helping the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 on Friday night.

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

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

«It's a special moment,» Bernard said prior to the game. «After how many years I've played I'm finally here. It's amazing. I'm finally here.»

The 31-year-old Bernard was taken in the 35th round of the 2012 draft and spent three seasons in the Padres' minor league system. He also played in the minors for Detroit, San Francisco and the Chicago Cubs along with stints in the Mexican Winter League, Venezuelan Winter League and independent ball.

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

Colorado manager Bud Black went to see Bernard and outfielder Connor Joe in the winter of 2020. He pitched batting practice to both players and encouraged the Rockies to sign them.

«I made the recommendation to our front office to see if we can sign these guys,» Black said. «Our front office contacted their agents and they got deals done.»

Joe made his Rockies debut in 2021 while Bernard played for the Isotopes the past two seasons. He hit .254 with seven homers in 2021. This year, his numbers