2015 Colorado Rockies Plagued By Regression, Injury

The Colorado Rockies are on the verge of their fifth-straight losing season as the fans continue to vote their displeasure. After starting the season off with a 7-2 record, it looked as if the sky was the limit for the Rox. However, they quickly fell back down to earth and have now found themselves in last place in the National League West. Two reasons for that: Injury and Regression.

Remember how good Adam Ottavino was prior to tearing his UCL ligament? Adam was virtually unhittable in the back-end of Colorado’s bullpen, tossing 10.1 innings of scoreless ball. In those ten relief appearances, Ottavino went 3-for-3 in save opportunities, striking out 13 batters while yielding just three hits. Ottavino has since undergone Tommy John Surgery, leaving him with a timetable of 12-18 months of recovery. Ottavino’s injury has left a gaping hole in Colorado’s atrocious bullpen.

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Remember Eddie Butler? Well, he is back with the Colorado Rockies after a brief stint with the Albuquerque Isotopes, but he didn’t show much at the Triple-A level to back-up his promotion. Colorado’s number two prospect (Butler) went 2-2 in six starts for Albuquerque, giving up 23 runs over 33.0 innings pitched. Not to mention, opponents were hitting .289 off him while his ERA skyrocketed up to 6.27.

Remember Tyler Matzek? Boy do I feel for him. After having an impressive rookie campaign in 2014, Matzek flat-out lost it in 2015. Matzek walked 19 batters in 22.0 innings for Colorado earlier this season, warranting a demotion to Triple-A Albuquerque — that didn’t work out too well. He started just one game for the Isotopes, giving up seven runs on just one hit. Matzek issued seven walks in just one inning as his command continued to get worse. After taking some time off, Matzek was demoted to Single-A Boise Hawks to work on his control — that didn’t work as well. In four games (one start), Matzek compiled an 0-2 record while posting an ERA of 35.10. In 3.1 innings of work, Matzek walked 15 batters while giving up just three hits. Also, Matzek yielded 13 runs in that span while posting a WHIP of 5.40 — yikes.

Remember Jordan Lyles? He was a stable pitcher in the Rockies rotation and is out for the season with a big toe injury. His stats this season weren’t spectular by any means, but injury plagued the 6-foot-4 right-hander. In ten starts, Lyles went 2-5 with a 5.14 ERA — 28 earned runs over 49.0 innings. Lyles did everything you asked of him during the 2014 season, collecting a 7-4 record while posting an ERA of 4.33 — good for Coors.

Remember Chad Bettis? Well of course you do. Bettis was recently placed on the 15-day disabled list after dealing with right elbow inflammation. Bettis had his fair share of quality starts prior to his injury but he quickly developed into a dependable pitcher for the Rockies. In his 13 starts this season, Bettis has turned in eight quality starts. Bettis had two starts in the middle of May where he pitched into the eighth inning in back-to-back games — something you don’t see from a Rockies’ pitcher.

Remember Corey Dickerson? If Dickerson had more plate appearances in 2014, he would have been the running for the National League Batting Title alongside teammate Justin Morneau. Dickerson finished 2014 slashing at a line of .312/.364/.567 with 27 doubles, six triples, 24 home runs and 76 runs batted in. Prior to his plantar fasciitis injury which has sidelined him for quiet some time in 2015, Dickerson was hitting .299/.331/.512 with eight doubles, two triples, five home runs and 16 RBI’s.

Remember Justin Morneau? You know, the National League Batting Champion of a year ago? His concussion symptoms have flared up in 2015, leaving the 34-year-old in a tough position. During the 2014 season, Morneau slashed at a line of .319/.364/.496 with 32 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs and 82 RBI’s. Not only could Colorado use his offensive ability but his defense as well. Having Wilin Rosario split time at first base with Ben Paulsen is an awful idea.

Remember Tyler Chatwood? Chatwood was one of Colorado’s pleasant surprises during the 2013 season — he even threw a complete game (eight innings) against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road which ended up as a loss. Chatwood is currently recovering from Tommy John Surgery and could be on the verge to make an impact in 2016. In 20 starts in 2013, Chatwood posted a record of 8-5 with an ERA of 3.15. In 111.1 innings of work, Chatwood gave up 44 runs/39 earned while walking just 41.

Colorado hasn’t been fortunate enough with their pitching prospects either. Kyle Freeland (8th overall, 2014) and Tyler Anderson (20th overall, 2011) have dealt with their fair share of injuries as well.

No, I’m not saying Colorado would be contending if all or most of these players were healthy, but with five starting pitchers on the mend, it’s no wonder Colorado’s staff has been at the bottom of the league yet again. Above are six impact arms and two impact bats — they could certainly help.

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Colorado Rockies 2015 Season Plagued By Regression, Injuries

By Andrew Dill | Jul 23, 2015