Tyler Chatwood Nicked Up; Rockies Shuffle Rotation

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

As we speak Chad Bettis is making his second Major League start against the New York Mets. That is a day earlier than expected, as will be Jhoulys Chacin‘s start Wednesday night, because of a minor injury to Tyler Chatwood.

Per Thomas Harding of MLB.com (via Twitter)

If Chatwood is not ready to go Thursday then there is no sense in rushing him back to action. As with Carlos Gonzalez and his bum finger, the Rockies have reached the point now where they can take their time with these things and make sure guys get right before they return. If Chatwood’s tweaked left hamstring still isn’t right on Thursday, they can push him back a few more days.

One year ago Chatwood was among the young pitchers who was stuck trying to make an impression in the paired pitching set-up. He was among the many auditioning for a more prominent role in the Rockies’ future plans. Now, with his sensational numbers this season (7-4, 3.25 ERA, 3.33 FIP, 3.61 xFIP), he is one of the guys the Rockies have to protect for next season and beyond.

That is, of course, one of the best developments this season, and one the Rockies hope to repeat with somebody like Drew Pomeranz, Bettis, or another young pitcher in the system. That’s for later. For now, Chatwood will plan to pitch Thursday as the Rockies hope for a miraculous winning streak to re-enter the playoff race.