Colorado Rockies Rundown: Lyles, Murphy, Flande, Arenado, Chacin

May 18, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher J. Lyles (24) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Lyles’ first test for 2016

(via MLB.com)

Jordan Lyles faced live hitters for the very first time this weekend since his season-ending surgery back in June. According to Rockies’ manager Walt Weiss, things went very well:

"“He did a great job. No issues. He commanded the ball really well. Usually that first time out against hitters you’re spraying the ball all over the place, but Jordan threw strikes and looked real good.”"

Weiss also revealed that the Rockies would like Lyles to pitch this winter:

"“We’re going to try and get him probably around 40 innings somewhere this winter. Whether it’s the Fall [instructional league or Domincian instructional league] is still to be determined. … We want to add to his workload a little bit. You want him coming to Spring Training and having a normal spring. He’ll be able to do that if he’s able to get some innings this winter.”"

[ Related: I got nachos, and you didn’t, and you might be a bad fan ]

Obviously, there is a lot of time between now and Spring Training — and considering Lyles had a toe injury and not, say, an elbow or shoulder surgery, this isn’t quite the same intensity and concern — but even with that, this is a big deal.

Of course, it’s now two years in a row that Jordan Lyles’ season has been ended prematurely with a freak injury (last year he broke his non-throwing hand on a play at the plate). For the Rockies to be not abysmal next year, they’ll have to count on guys like Lyles to be consistent, and most importantly healthy, for the entire season. Depth matters.

Next: Tom Murphy's big night