Jordan Lyles pitching lights-out in Cactus League play for the Colorado Rockies

During the first half of the 2014 campaign last season, Jordan Lyles was by-far the best pitcher in the Colorado Rockies rotation. In a trade that sent fan favorite Dexter Fowler the Houston Astros in exchange for Lyles and Brandon Barnes, Rockies fans weren’t so sure with what they were going to get out of the right-hander. All he did was win ballgames.

In 11 starts, Lyles earned a record of 5-1, including an ERA of 3.52. He then suffered a setback. On June 4, Lyles, on a play at the plate, would fracture his left hand, attempting to tag out Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Martin Prado. To add onto terrible luck, Lyles was injured as a passenger in a car accident that flipped him over to the 60-day disabled list, enduring facial injuries. Lyles ended up returning to the starting rotation Aug. 6, going 2-3 in 10 starts to cap off the season.

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Fast-forward to Spring Training, 2015: Lyles is picking up where he left off in the first-half of the 2014 season. In a split-squad game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday afternoon, Lyles pitched six strong innings, giving up just three hits, one run-one earned, one walk, and four strikeouts. He ended up collecting a no-decision, but his ERA lowered to a dismal 0.86 – WOW.

In six total starts this Spring, Lyles is a perfect 2-0 with the above mentioned 0.86 ERA. His line goes as a followed: 21.0 innings pitched, eight hits, two runs-two earned, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts. The walks may be a bit of a concern, but we all know Lyles is a pitch-to-contact type of pitcher – he will induce ground balls.

With Jorge De La Rosa potentially facing time on the disabled list and two spots currently up for grabs in the starting rotation, it’s always good to see a bright spot regarding starting pitching for the Rockies. After all, pitching will be the key for this team moving forward.