Despite their 3-2 eleven-inning win over the best team in baseball thus far, the Philadelphia Phillies, the worst team in the National League, the Colorado Rockies have had a whirlwind of a season. A Colorado staff member sat inside the cockpit of a United flight back in the middle of April. A few days before that incident, the Rockies lost Opening-Day starter Kyle Freeland when they used him as a pinch runner. Although the team seemed doomed without their top starter, the Rockies recently went on a seven-game win streak. Freeland dealt with some rocky starts before being injured. Regardless, it was announced that the Rockies Opening Day starter was moved to the 60-day IL. He should be available to be reinstated to the team by July.
Rockies Opening-Day Starter Moves to 60-Day IL
After his pinch-hitting injury, Freeland was moved from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL. Even though he’s thrown a bullpen session, the 31-year-old starter ensures he’s 100 percent before returning to the team. Despite the Rockies being 17-33, they’ve won eight out of their last 14 games. It may be safe to say Colorado may be better off without their Opening Day starter for the time being. In four starts, he put up a 0-3 record. Through 15 innings pitched, Freeland allowed 25 runs on 32 hits. His ERA was an atrocious 13.21, giving up eight walks while striking out nine. While he is resuming pitching activities, it doesn’t sound like he is ready to come back yet.
Freeland gave up at least four runs in each of his four starts. He pitched a season-high five innings during his last two starts before getting injured. The Rockies Opening Day starter only recorded six strikeouts during his first three starts. While it may be a low blow to have the 31-year-old starter not reinstated until July, it may be a better move for the team.
Freeland Not Coming Back Until July May Not Be So Bad for Colorado
Despite ranking last in the Majors with an average ERA of 5.18, the Rockies have shown unexpected strength in the past few weeks. They swept the defending champion Texas Rangers and the San Diego Padres, who are eight games ahead of the Rockies in the NL West. This resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the team’s adaptability and ability to perform under pressure.
The Rockies’ recent victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings was a testament to their potential. Jacob Stallings’ game-tying home run in the ninth inning and Ezequiel Tovar’s walk-off single in the eleventh inning were moments of pure baseball drama. The team’s offense and pitching staff seem to be in top form as they head into June. This unexpected success may make this season even more memorable than anticipated, as the Rockies strive to climb the steep hill of the NL West.
Main Photo Credits: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
