Former Clemson standout optioned to Triple-A

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Crumpton · Assoc. Editor · Saturday, May 14 2016

The Colorado Rockies announced on Friday evening that former Clemson standout Ben Paulsen has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

For the season, Paulsen was batting .258 with 10 RBIs and lost the starting first base job to Mark Reynolds who was hot hitting .337.

"Benny has done his part," Weiss said via the Denver Post. "He's done what we asked him to do. It wasn't a punishment, sending him out, because he wasn't playing well."

The Rockies had no roster spots available for utility player Daniel Descalso's return from breaking his left hand in spring training. They made the tough decision to option Paulsen because of their depth at first base.

In three years at Clemson, Paulsen batted .318 with 31 home runs, five triples, 34 doubles and 130 RBIs.

The #Rockies have reinstated INF Daniel Descalso.

1B Ben Paulsen has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. pic.twitter.com/WU6Jqu2v61
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) May 13, 2016