Comeback Players to Watch This Spring

A new beginning. That’s what Spring Training is all about for under performing teams. For the fans, it’s a chance to restore pride. For the front office, it’s a chance show that they’re pulling the right strings. But most importantly, for the players, it’s a chance to reinvent themselves. With Spring Training workouts less than two weeks away there are a lot of current Rockies who are trying to prove that they belong on a winning team despite disappointments in the past. Here at Rox Pile we have profiled 5 players who are chasing that all elusive comeback glory in 2016.

1.  Tyler Chatwood – Right-Handed Pitcher

Now almost two full years removed from major league competition, Chatwood needs to return to form if there is to be any hope for the Rockies starting rotation to be competitive this year. In 2013, which was Chatwood’s last full season, he posted a very impressive 3.15 ERA through 20 starts. Then in 2014 it came crashing down when Chatwood underwent Tommy John surgery. Tommy John is commonplace in baseball these days, but surprisingly this was Chatwood’s second time taking his elbow under the knife, the first coming at the age of 16. 

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Chatwood has a lot going for him in 2016. A clean bill of health obviously will go a long way for a rotation that used 12 different starting pitchers last season. Chatwood is also only 26, so he is just now about to hit his prime. Don’t expect Tyler to return to his 2013 numbers right away, but if he can hang around an ERA of four, that means he’s giving his staff quality starts and giving his team a chance to win. If Chatwood does replicate his 2013 season, he would become a big time pitcher in the NL West and may be even considered for comeback player of the year.